THE BANGSAMORO Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recently celebrated its 6th founding anniversary. During a parliamentary session, education was highlighted as the cornerstone of a thriving Bangsamoro, with special recognition given to licensure examination passers who serve as role models for the youth.
As a new school year begins, schools in BARMM will once again teem with students eager to learn and expand their knowledge. This thirst for education carries great significance in a region where it holds the key to unlocking vast potential and forging a path toward lasting peace and progress.
Decades of conflict and neglect have left deep scars on BARMM’s education system. Many schools lack basic infrastructure, qualified teachers are in short supply, and poverty prevents countless children from accessing education. Yet, despite these challenges, education remains the most powerful tool in BARMM’s arsenal to break the cycle of poverty, promote peace, and build a prosperous future.
Education empowers. It equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to secure better livelihoods, contribute to their communities, and participate in the region’s development. By investing in quality education, BARMM can cultivate a skilled workforce, attract investment, and stimulate economic growth.
Education also heals. It fosters critical thinking, tolerance, and understanding, countering extremism and promoting social cohesion. By providing inclusive and culturally sensitive education, BARMM can nurture a generation of peacebuilders committed to dialogue and reconciliation.
But education in BARMM must be more than just access to classrooms. It must be relevant, engaging, and responsive to the unique needs and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people. This means incorporating local languages, history, and traditions into the curriculum, ensuring that education strengthens cultural identity and fosters a sense of belonging.
The task ahead is immense. BARMM needs increased investment in education infrastructure, recruitment and training of qualified teachers, and targeted programs to reach marginalized communities. It requires collaboration between the government, civil society, and international partners to create an enabling environment for a new generation that ushers in peace, development, and progress in the Bangsamoro.#
