Bangsamoro Government lays out commitments to improve education in the BARMM

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Bangsamoro Government celebrated the signing of the Madrasah Education Strategic Plan for the Bangsamoro region on 18 July 2024. The Plan lays out the commitments of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education to enhance the quality of formal madrasah education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the next three years.

During the celebration of the signing of the Madrasah Education Strategic Plan, the Memorandum of Understanding was held to formalize the commitments of various donors and stakeholders to enable BARMM to overcome challenges in the delivery of quality and inclusive education services, ensuring that every child in Bangsamoro has equal opportunities. (L-R: Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afif Hasbullah, Darul Ulum Islamic University; Dr. Muhammad Hafidz Nasrullah, Rector, Darul Ulum Islamic University; Honorable Mohagher M. Iqbal, Minster, Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education; and, Tahir G. Nalg, Director General for Madaris Education, Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education.) 

Madrasah is an Islamic educational system that aims to develop Muslim learners to be morally upright and committed to excellence. The Ministry recognizes madrasaheducation’s significant role in contributing to the peace and stability, and the future development of the BARMM. The goal is to develop future Muslim professionals and innovators who could drive economic growth, peace, and stability in the region. 

Various donors and stakeholders gathered last July 18, 2024 at Dusit Thani Manila, Makati City to celebrate the signing of the Madrasah Education Strategic Plan for the Bangsamoro region. (L-R: Mark James Evangelista, Department Liaison Unit Head, Department of Budget and Management; Director Susana S. Santiago, Chief, Project Management Service, Department of Education; Mr. Peter Adams, Development Counsellor Australia; Dr. Moya Collett, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy in the Philippines; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afif Hasbullah, Trustee, Darul Ulum Islamic University; Dr. Muhammad Hafidz Nasrullah, Rector, Darul Ulum Islamic University; Honorable Mohagher M. Iqbal, Minster, Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education; Tahir G. Nalg, Director General for Madaris Education, Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education; Mr. Michael Alexander Ang, Jordan Consul General; Ms. Fardella Eusoff, Third Secretary, Embassy of Brunei in the Philippines; Ms. Asuka Ishizaka, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines) 

The Australian Government provided technical assistance to the Ministry in developing the Plan. They conducted policy reviews of madrasah education, led consultation sessions with relevant partners, and facilitated expert consultations to support the drafting process. 

“As neighbours and strategic partners, Australia and the Philippines share the goal of achieving a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region – and we believe that education plays a vital role in achieving this,” said Dr Moya Collett, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy.

“I thank our friends and partners from the Ministry for their continued dedication in strengthening education policies and institutions in the BARMM. Australia remains committed to working with you in shaping a more peaceful and prosperous region.”

Under the Plan, the Ministry aims to increase the number of Bangsamoro learners – regardless of gender, physical ability, and social and economic status – by 30%. By 2025, they also aim to increase the number of formal madrasah institutions by 15%.

Institutionalizing madrasahs is important because it allows the Ministry to monitor and regulate the quality of education and services they provide.

The Ministry has made great strides in integrating traditional madrasah into the Bangsamoro education system. To date, 373 formal madrasah delivering K-12 and Islamic education have been recognised. A policy guide developed with the Australian

Government is also supporting the accreditation of 444 non formal madrasah. The Ministry also have plans to develop a standardised curriculum for all madrasahs, including non-formal madrasas, with the aim of accrediting them down the road.

Mohagher M. Iqbal, Minister of MBHTE said: “Strengthening madrasah education represents 'unity in diversity.' It demonstrates Bangsamoro’s firm commitment to preserving our region's rich historical, religious, and educational heritage while creating an inclusive environment where every learner, regardless of background, can succeed.”

“Madrasah education is integral to our people’s aspiration to shape our educational policies and systems. Therefore, the Bangsamoro deserves genuine autonomy that all parties should honor. A thriving autonomy is the true solution to the recurring internal conflicts in the region.”

7-Eleven’s Japanese Curry Meals Are Bound to Be Everyone’s Newest Favorites

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

It even has the seal of approval of popular Filipino Facebook foodie group Let’s Eat Pare.

Convenience is key at 7-Eleven, so when it comes to finding world-class eats anywhere, a visit to their stores is the way to go. Within their 40 years of service, they’ve managed to bring a variety of cuisines closer to Filipinos, like Korean and Thai favorites. Now they’re expanding their delectable menu with another mouthwatering slew of dishes inspired by Japan.

Introducing the Japanese Curry Party Lineup, three scrumptious rice meals available in pork, beef, and chicken that come with a rich curry sauce from one of the biggest curry manufacturers in Japan, House Foods. Customers will surely flock to the sauce’s mouthwatering scent and robust and flavorful taste medley of caramelized onion, roasted garlic, miso, and the aroma of cardamom. 

Get a taste of these restaurant-quality delights at budget-friendly prices, starting with the Hamburg Steak Curry for ₱139. Topped with delicious melted cheese, it’s a perfectly cooked beef steak patty served with curry sauce and plain rice.

Sounds appetizing? Customers can treat themselves to more options such as the Pork Katsu Curry at ₱139 and Chicken Karaage Curry for ₱129. Both are generously covered in luscious curry sauce, served with fragrant white rice, garnished with yellow radish for an added sweet taste with every bite. 

7-Eleven food options can always be trusted to be accessible, convenient, and tasty, but the choices this time around are even more special as they carry the seal of approval of Let’s Eat Pare. A community-led Facebook group that provides a space for foodies to discuss and critique the latest food drops, their opinions are highly regarded by online users as a credible source on whether a new product is worth the try.

Spot these fresh drops right away on 7-Eleven shelves with the coveted Let’s Eat Pare logo for a guaranteed quality eating experience. 

Get pumped and taste the curry party today as these Let’s Eat Pare-approved rice meals are now available in 7-Eleven stores around Luzon.

Cheers to 40 years with 7-Eleven and like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on Twitter and TikTok for more information.

ChildFund Philippines and SEAMEO INNOTECH launch the country's first localized social and emotional learning framework

Wazzup Pilipinas?!

ChildFund Philippines, in collaboration with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH), recently introduced the country’s first localized social and emotional learning (SEL) framework.

ChildFund Philippines, in collaboration with SEAMEO INNOTECH, recently introduced the country’s first localized
SEL framework at SEAMEO INNOTECH’s office in Quezon City. (L-R: Kochakorn Khattapan Acidre, Deputy Center
Director of SEAMEO INNOTECH; Marlene Floresca, Education Specialist of ChildFund Philippines; Dr. Dexter
Galban, Assistant Secretary for Operations of the Department of Education; Dr. Leonor Magtolis Briones, Center Director of SEAMEO INNOTECH; Anand Vishwakarma, Country Director of ChildFund Philippines; and, Dr. Grace

Aguiling-Dalisay, President and CEO of Center for Educational Measurement)

The 2024-2027 SEL program is designed to resonate with the unique cultural nuances of Filipino students in public schools. It aims to:

● Develop adaptable SEL curriculum models that can be tailored to different cultural contexts,

● Foster a sense of ownership and sustainability within communities by involving them in the adaptation and implementation processes,

● Provide evidence-based recommendations for integrating localized SEL into educational
policies at local, regional, and national levels, and;

● Share findings through academic publications, conferences, and workshops to contribute
to the global discourse on effective SEL localization.

“When we started building the SEL framework, we envisioned a localized approach engaging all stakeholders in the country – teachers, parents, and students. This collaborative effort ensures the framework addresses the holistic development of both learners and educators, making it culturally relevant and impactful,” said Anand Vishwakarma, Country Director of ChildFund Philippines.

Marlene Floresca, Education Specialist of ChildFund Philippines, emphasized that the SEL framework helps students develop "pagpapakatao" (being humane) and "pakikipagkapwa-tao"
(fellowship), to become capable and self-trusting individuals.

The social and emotional learning competency framework showcases that Filipino students and learners must
develop "pagpapakatao" (being humane) and "pakikipagkapwa"; (fellowship) to become capable and self-trusting individuals.

The competency framework also equips teachers with tools to better support students, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive educational environment. “The success of the SEL framework depends on the active involvement of teachers, along with parents and communities. Their participation ensures that the framework addresses the specific social and emotional needs of both learners and educators,” said Dr. Leonor Magtolis Briones, Center Director of SEAMEO INNOTECH.

Developing SEL skills early, starting in kindergarten and potentially even earlier, supports long-term success. According to Dr. Grace Aguiling-Dalisay, President and CEO of Center for Educational Measurement, assessing SEL skills alongside cognitive skills is imperative. “We are working with the education department to integrate these assessments into the SEL framework, ensuring evidence-based progress.”

Implementing the Framework



Implementation will begin this year with a pilot in select public schools to test the framework's effectiveness. Following this, it will be integrated into school-wide practices and policies for students, educators, and non-teaching staff.

The technical working group, who has been involved in the development of the framework including the Department of Education (DepEd), will endorse SEL modules accessible via an e-learning platform. Teachers and school heads will complete these courses and earn
professional development points through the National Educators Academy of the Philippines and the Professional Regulation Commission.

The framework supports the DepEd’s MATATAG Agenda: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa, which aims to take care of learners by promoting their well-being and give support to teachers to perform better. It shall be implemented across the K-12 curriculum and expanded to mental health programs in schools nationwide.

“This SEL framework responds to the call for an education system that imparts knowledge and cultivates the social and emotional foundation children need to build their dreams, equipping
them beyond what books can teach,” said Dr. Dexter Galban, Assistant Secretary for Operations of the DepEd.

The organization and its partners interviewed K-12 and Alternative Learning System students across Metro Manila, Apayao, Negros Occidental, North Cotabato, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi to develop the framework.

For more information about the SEL competency framework, visit https://childfund.org.ph/.