ACERT, MSU-Tawi-Tawi, and MSU-Maguindanao Forge Historic Partnership for Indigenous Peoples’ Education

In a momentous collaboration, the Asian Center of Education, Research and Tutelage for Innovation, Inc. (ACERT), Mindanao State University Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO), and MSU-Maguindanao have united in a Memorandum of Agreement to develop the Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED) Framework for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

This initiative focuses on understanding the context, cultural diversity, and unique practices of the Erumanene Menuvu and Sama Badjao communities, ensuring their right to culturally responsive education is recognized and strengthened.

The IPED Framework aims to provide a comprehensive roadmap for inclusive and culturally grounded education in BARMM, in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) and the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MIPA). This project emphasizes the importance of preserving indigenous heritage while promoting access to education that respects cultural and linguistic identities, avoiding any form of unwanted assimilation.

During the ceremonial signing, key leaders formalized the partnership: ACERT President and Project Leader Dr. Mark Anthony M. Velasco, MSU-TCTO Chancellor Dr. Mary Joyce Z. Guinto-Sali, and MSU-Maguindanao Chancellor Dr. Bai Hejira Nefertiti Sinsuat Macalandong-Limbona. ACERT Corporate Secretary Juliet C. Carolino, CoEd Dean Prof. Dr. Alhisan U. Jemsy, and Project Co-Leader Prof. Dr. Clarissa A. Derramas also witnessed the event.

Congratulatory remarks and messages of support were delivered via Zoom by Ms. Judith D. Caubalejo, Director of the Bureau for Indigenous Peoples Education, and Mr. Abdullah P. Salik Jr., Director-General for Basic Education at MBHTE, BARMM, represented by Director Johnny G. Balawag.

Partners from MBHTE BARMM Dr. Omar Muktar T. Yap and IPED Focal Person Ms. Naim A. Aral, together with representatives from Sama Studies Center, College of Arts and Sciences, Research and Extension Office, and the IPED Project Team, were present during the program.

This collaboration reflects an unwavering commitment to fostering educational equity and preserving the rich cultural heritage of BARMM's indigenous communities for a sustainable and inclusive development.

Contributor:

Ms. Monica Mae R. Pon (Faculty, CoEd)

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