MBHTE Minister Iqbal Emphasizes Transparency and Moral Governance at 2025 COA–MBHTE Entrance Conference
COTABATO CITY (November 13, 2025) — The Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE), led by Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal, opened the 2025 Audit Entrance Conference in partnership with the Commission on Audit (COA)–BARMM on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the KCC Mall of Cotabato Convention Center.
In his keynote address, Minister Iqbal emphasized that the gathering goes beyond procedural compliance, highlighting that the audit process reflects the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, fiscal discipline, and accountability anchored in the principles of Moral Governance.
“This gathering is more than a procedural requirement. It is a meaningful occasion that reaffirms our shared duty to uphold transparency, fiscal discipline, and accountability in the spirit of Moral Governance. It also reminds us that in public service, we are all bound by a collective responsibility to safeguard the trust of the Bangsamoro people,” said Minister Iqbal.
Addressing recent challenges faced by the Ministry, including allegations concerning the use of public funds, Minister Iqbal affirmed MBHTE’s full cooperation with COA and its readiness to embrace the audit as an opportunity to strengthen systems and uphold integrity.
“The MBHTE welcomes this audit with openness, humility, and sincerity. We fully understand the gravity of these concerns, and we see this process not as a burden but as an opportunity to reaffirm our integrity and to strengthen our systems,” he said.
Minister Iqbal described COA as a trusted partner and vital ally in promoting good governance and institutional reform, noting that its role extends beyond reviewing financial records—it helps public offices identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with laws and ethical standards.
“COA’s work is not to cast blame, but to bring light to areas where we can do better, to help us recognize gaps and opportunities for reform, and to guide us toward full compliance with laws, regulations, and ethical standards,” he added.
“Through your diligence and impartiality, you remind us that accountability is not punitive but transformative. You help us turn challenges into lessons, and findings into pathways for improvement. Every recommendation, observation, or clarification you provide strengthens our systems and processes, allowing the Ministry to operate with greater efficiency, integrity, and prudence,” he stressed.
The Minister also reminded all MBHTE officials and staff of their duty to cooperate fully with the COA audit team, ensure unhampered access to all necessary records, and promptly act on audit recommendations.
“I remind everyone that this process demands our full cooperation, transparency, and sense of duty. We must provide COA with full and unhampered access to records and documents as required by law. We will assign personnel who will assist the audit team and ensure that their work proceeds smoothly and efficiently. More importantly, we shall act promptly on findings and recommendations so that every lesson learned becomes an improvement in our operations and decision-making,” Minister Iqbal emphasized.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to COA for its continued professionalism and guidance, reaffirming the Ministry’s shared commitment to building a transparent, accountable, and responsive government for the Bangsamoro people.
The conference was attended by COA-BARMM Regional Director Rasdy Guiling, Atty. Hedjarah B. Mangompia-Said, Audit Team Leader for MBHTE, and other COA auditors and team leaders. Also present were Assistant Regional Cabinet Secretary Atty. Sittie Mariam Balahim, CPA, Director Generals Tahir Nalg (Madaris Education) and Abdullah Salik Jr. (Basic Education), along with MBHTE division chiefs, Schools Division Superintendents, regional and division officials, and representatives from higher and technical education offices across the region. (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
