The Bangsamoro Scholars Association (BSA) launched the first BARMM Scholarship Fair to provide assistance to applicants of different scholarship programs provided by the regional and national governments as well as other scholarship-granting institutions.
The launching was done in collaboration with the Office of Minister Diamila Disimban-Ramos and in partnership with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) and the Office of Minister Abdullah Hashim.
With the theme: “Bridging Scholarship Opportunities and the Bangsamoro Youth,” the scholarship fair was simultaneously conducted at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City and at the Institute for Peace and Development in Mindanao in MSU-Main Campus, Marawi City.
“In order to establish a more progressive BARMM, we need more professionals, we need more progressive minds, we need young people to help us in rebuilding our home,” Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim said in a video message.
“With MP Diamila Disimban-Ramos and her team and the Bangsamoro Scholars Association leading this event, I am optimistic that everyone will get the proper orientation of what the Government of the Day offers in hopes of uplifting education in our region, a clear understanding of what we envision for our students, and an appreciation of education as, a tool of changing the norm,” he added.
Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal, for his part, said the best investment the region can undertake is on the education of its youth.
“We hope you will be agents of meaningful change in the region and proponents of Moral Governance,” Iqbal said.
“Through education, we hope to produce proficient, resourceful, and dependable professionals who exemplify moral values and the willingness to protect the general welfare of the people. Thank you again for your trust and support. Let us continue working together towards providing quality, inclusive, and relevant education to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao so that no Bangsamoro learner will be left behind,” he added.
Hashim, who co-sponsored the event, stressed the importance of scholarships.
“Scholarships are meant to create equal opportunity for higher education. With the help of scholarships, we can ensure that the Bangsamoro youth, regardless of their socio-economic background, ethnicity, or religion, has access to good quality education. Through my experience as a beneficiary of a scholarship myself, I understand its significance and the impact it can have in the lives of those who may otherwise have no means to pursue a college diploma,” Hashim said.
Ramos, for her part, praised the BSA for the display of volunteerism by its members.
“[By helping others,] we get to develop our empathy and concern for the community. We get to develop our communication skills, our social skills, and our leadership skills. We get to develop ourselves as responsible members of our society. And we create a positive impact, and in return people will readily support us and give us the respect and recognition we deserve,” she said.
