PUBLIC CONSULTATION. BTA Member of Parliament (MP) and sub-panel head for Tawi-Tawi, Prof. Eddie M. Alih leads today, November 25 the public consultation on Bangsamoro Education Code with the province’s academe sector via Zoom teleconference. (Zoom screen photo)

COTABATO CITY — The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament continued today, November 25, 2020 the public consultation on BTA Cabinet Bill No. 70 or the proposed Bangsamoro Education Code, this time with the participation of the academe sector in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

Member of Parliament Eddie Alih, sub-panel head of Bangsamoro Education Code for Tawi-Tawi led the public consultation held at R and R Garden Inn in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Technical Working Group (TWG) Chair MP Atty. Rasol Y. Mitmug, Jr. served as moderator via Zoom teleconference at the BTA Extension Office.

Participants from the academe included Mindanao State University – Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography Chancellor Prof. Mary Joyce Z. Guinto Sali and Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Benecito L. Maratas, Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College President Prof. Mutti A. Asaali and Vice President for Academic Affairs Prof. Jun Ahamad, Maharlika Institute of Technology President Engr. Sambas I. Hassan, Tawi-Tawi School of Midwifery, Inc. President Marietta T. Limbaga, Abubakar Computer Learning Center College Coordinator Prof. Aida Alam, Notre Dame of Bongao High School Principal Sr. Imelda Mission, Bongao Advent Elementary School Principal Emie Joie H. Macanim, Bongao Advent Elementary School Principal Judelyn Y. Doting, Tawi-Tawi School of Arts and Trade Principal III Mohammad Nur A. Tidal, Tawi-Tawi School of Fisheries Principal Jul-aspi A. Hamid along with representatives from the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) Tawi-Tawi.

In his message, Alih said before his fellow Tawi-Tawians that the public consultation is an epitome of how the people in the community is in essence the Parliament.

“The Bangsamoro Education Code that will eventually come into being is as what you will it to be. That’s why we’re here today doing what the other provinces of BARMM are doing simultaneously. We’re here to ask you how you want your Education Code to be. You need to decide what kind of education your children will wake up to tomorrow,” Alih stressed.

In a previous statement, Panel Chair and MBHTE Minister MP Mohagher Iqbal emphasized that the region’s education system shall soon improve and strengthen if the Parliament approves the Bangsamoro Education Code.

“This document signifies collective vision for an inclusive, balanced, relevant, and effective educational system in the BARMM. Our goal is to develop a strong partnership between the BARMM government and various stakeholders across the region. That is why we are conducting this public consultation, so members of the education community can share their insights to enhance the draft and ensure its passage in the Parliament,” Iqbal said.

On October 28, Iqbal filed the BEC in the plenary during a special session.

Meanwhile, policy and position papers are expected to be submitted on or before December 04, 2020. (Gilmhar A. Lao, Publication and Media Relations Division, BTA Parliament)