MBHTE Advances Sulu Education, Reactivation of Two Schools Division

COTABATO CITY (May 21, 2024) — The Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) held its second consultation phase for the reactivation of two school division offices (SDOs) in Sulu on May 20 at the Grand Astoria Hotel, Zamboanga City. The event was attended by school heads, nurses, and personnel from the division, aiming to foster dialogue and gather insights, best practices, and innovative ideas.

In his virtual address, Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal praised the participants for their dedication to enhancing the educational framework in Sulu. “We understand that these discussions may bring up difficult topics or differing opinions, but we are here to support and guide you. By working together, we can identify our challenges, brainstorm solutions, and develop strategies to enhance the quality of education in our region,” he stated.

The separation of the Sulu SDOs is mandated by BARMM Executive Order No. 0002, series of 2021. The order’s implementation was delayed due to the pandemic and limited coordination sessions. The reactivation aims to emulate the successful division arrangements in other large provinces like Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.

The first consultation, which took place on February 21, 2023, involved Sulu SDO stakeholders. This second phase continues to build on those initial discussions, ensuring comprehensive input from all parties involved attended by 40 Schools Division Personnel, 77 Elementary Nurses, and 448 School Heads.

Minister Iqbal reaffirmed MBHTE’s commitment to improving education within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). “We are dedicated to providing the support and resources necessary to ensure that every Bangsamoro child can access quality, inclusive, and relevant education,” he concluded.

Part of the program was a presentation of regional heads from the Planning Division, Human Resources, Finance, and SDO presentation including Financial Status, Property, Plants, and Equipment followed by an open forum.

Division of Sulu Schools Division Superintendent Kiram K. Irilis said that it’s a natural thing that separation is hurt but, he emphasized that for the welfare of the people of Sulu, he is amenable to the separation of what they called “twinning”, “splitting” or “multiplying” the Schools Division of Sulu, the Sulu 1 and Sulu 2.

Dr. Johnny G. Balawag, the Bureau Director of Basic Education capsulized the program by presenting his synthesis of four acronyms, called: SULU, KIRAM, MBHTE, and IQBAL.

On what is being transpired the occasion, SULU represents S for Stakeholders engagement, U – Understanding through information, and L – Listening, and U for Unified approach to implementation.

On KIRAM which is the first name of Sulu SDS he said that these are the challenges and opportunities; K stands for Key reason for separation, I – Impact on education management and governance, R – Real challenges and opportunities, A for Anticipated expectations, and M for Major implications for the education system.

For the MBHTE, these are the greater takeaways, Balawag said. The letter M stands for
Management improvement, B is for Better educational outcomes, H is the heightened expectations, T is for Transformational change, and E for Empowered governance.

The last acronym was IQBAL which was the solution itself, said Balawag, I – Involvement and communication which plays a vital role in attaining understanding and cooperation, Q – Quality and Equity, B for Balance and sustainability, A – Adaptability and support, and L represents Leadership and Collaboration. The Director General for Basic Education Abdullah “Junn” Salik, Jr closed the program and informed the participants that they would be bringing all the results of the consultation to the office of Minister Iqbal.

The consultation reflects MBHTE’s ongoing efforts to engage with local education stakeholders, demonstrating a collaborative approach to enhancing educational outcomes that is inclusive and based on the needs and aspiration of the Bangsamoro people in the region. It also opens opportunity for the educators of Sulu, the learners, and its community. (Hasna U. Bacol, BMN/Bangsamoro Today)