- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BARMM) to form a technical working group (TWG) to harmonize education policies between national agencies and the regional government.
- EDCOM 2 report highlights challenges in foundational learning, teacher development, and nutrition, with low functional literacy (64.7%) and high childhood stunting (34.3%) in the region.
- TWG aims to improve coordination, funding, and implementation of reforms, including early childhood programs, teacher education, and inter-agency collaboration for long-term educational improvement.
A major step toward improving education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is underway as a technical working group (TWG) will be formed to harmonize education policies and programs between national agencies and the Bangsamoro government. The decision followed the presentation of the Year 3 Final Report by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) at the 4th Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum in Pasay City. The report, titled 'Turning Point: A Decade of Necessary Reform (2026-2035)', highlights systemic challenges in foundational learning, teacher development, and nutrition, offering a roadmap for long-term educational reform in the region.
The TWG is tasked with aligning programs from the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and other national agencies with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) to improve coordination, funding, and implementation of reforms. Lanao del Sur Representative Ziaur-Rahman Alonto Adiong explained that this may involve clarifying BARMM’s role as a sub-system of the national education system and defining responsibilities among DepEd, CHED, MBHTE, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. The Bangsamoro Parliament fully endorsed the initiative.
Also Read: The Significance of Soft Skills in Healthcare Training
The EDCOM 2 report revealed pressing concerns affecting learning outcomes in BARMM. High rates of childhood stunting (34.3 percent), anemia (16.9 percent), and household food insecurity (48.2 percent) have contributed to low functional literacy, which stands at 64.7 percent. Nearly half of Key Stage 1 learners are classified as 'low emerging' readers, and pandemic-related learning loss has left many students three to four years behind expected grade levels. To tackle these challenges, the commission recommended expanding early childhood care and development programs, strengthening teacher education, and improving inter-agency collaboration priorities expected to be addressed by the TWG.
Bangsamoro education officials welcomed the findings, with MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal committing to recalibrate programs and performance targets in line with the report’s recommendations. EDCOM 2 co-chair Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the forum as a space for coordination, trust-building, and shared problem-solving, aiming to ensure that these reforms translate into improved education outcomes for BARMM.
