Education Stakeholder Launches Pioneering Peace and Justice Course for Youth in BARMM
DAVAO CITY (August 9, 2025) — The Bangsamoro education sector, led by the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE), has launched a groundbreaking peace and justice education program aimed at integrating peacebuilding into the basic education curriculum for Grade 7 students.
The course, titled “Finding Peace Within, Cultivating Peace Beyond,” is part of the Values Education subject. It combines online learning with real-world contexts, drawing from the history, youth experiences, and cultural values of the Bangsamoro region. The program focuses on nurturing identity, fostering inner peace, promoting nonviolent communication, and developing a sense of global citizenship among young learners.
Developed under the SENANG project—a €1 million peacebuilding initiative funded by the European Union and led by Save the Children—the course is co-implemented by the MBHTE and SEAMEO INNOTECH.
“Since the Marawi Siege, many programs have been introduced to promote peace and recovery, but this is the first instance where peacebuilding has been directly incorporated into basic education. It is thoughtfully contextualized with the cultural foundations of Bangsamoro, making it deeply relevant and meaningful for learners,” said Alberto Muyot, CEO of Save the Children Philippines.
MBHTE Director-General Abdullah Salik, Jr. emphasized the importance of localized peace education that aligns with the Bangsamoro Education Code and the region’s vision for producing morally grounded and empowered graduates. The program will be piloted this school year and will gradually be expanded up to Grade 10 by 2029.
EU representative Andreas Roettger praised the initiative as “transformative peace education,” highlighting its inclusive, truthful, and forward-looking approach to helping communities heal from conflict.
The launching program was attended by Bureau Directors Dr. Johny G. Balawag, Alkhan S. Sangkula, Daud K. Kadon, Judith D. Caubalejo, Ammier M. Dodo, and Yul A. Olaya of the MBHTE.
The launch included a three-day Training of Trainers for educators who will lead the pilot program in selected schools across BARMM.
Since 2023, Save the Children, MBHTE, and SEAMEO INNOTECH have collaborated to develop this course, continuing their decades-long commitment to supporting Bangsamoro youth affected by conflict and displacement. Through peace education, cultural activities, and intergenerational dialogue, the SENANG project aims to amplify youth voices and promote reconciliation throughout the region. (BMN/BangsamoroToday)
