The Office of Bangsamoro Transition Authority Member of Parliament Diamila Disimban-Ramos led the graduation ceremony of 50 scholars who have completed the 2021 Bangsamoro Scholarship Program for Technical Vocational Education Training on Land Preparation for Agricultural Crop Production in Marawi City on October 25.
Ramos on Thursday said the program, in partnership with the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education-Technical Education and Skills Development (MBHTE-TESD) in Lanao del Sur, ran from September 1 to 28.
The activity is part of the efforts of the Bangsamoro government to empower the beneficiaries from selected out-of-school youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs), single parents, Ulama, and Toril learners, to advance livelihood and lifelong learning opportunities for them.
The scholars went through a series of lectures and hands-on learnings such as identifying tools and personal protective equipment in land preparation; manual handlings such as arranging of pre-planting treatments, their purpose, and method of application; and, occupational health safety guidelines, procedures, and principles.
They also went through Values Transformation Training and Basic Entrepreneurship Skills Training where they are taught entrepreneurship skills.
Moved by the inspiring stories of the scholars, Ramos thanked MBHTE-TESD Lanao del Sur and other program partners for their invaluable support and contribution to the success of the two-week training.
She likewise congratulated the scholars for their sacrifices and perseverance to finish the training.
“I am very happy that you have completed your training. I admire your dedication and sacrifices so you can learn. I hope you can use your learnings in the future and share them with your community,” she said.
“We have also interviewed some of you and the ideas, suggestions, and recommendations arising from our consultations will be studied by our office so we can translate it into policy legislation that will address your needs.”
"We will continue to work hard to achieve our goal that no Bangsamoro farmer should be left behind because I believe that their interests and well-being must always be kept at the forefront,” she added.
MBHTE-TESD Lanao del Sur Provincial Director Aleida Nameerah Mangata thanked Ramos and the dedication of her staff who ensured the scholars finish their training.
She said this initiative gave hope to Bangsamoro constituents and allowed them to have skilled workers who will improve the quality of life, promote sustainable development, and alleviate the Bangsamoro region from poverty.
“Thank you, MP Ramos, and your staff because you were with us until the end. You gave us hope,” said Ulomoden Mamoransing, a scholar from the Ulama Sector.
"The heat of the sun and the rains did not bother us. The most important for us is the friendship that we have built,” added Hosniyah Abaton.
For his part, Aleem Alimondas Laut, president of the Muassasatul Asdiqah Foundation, noted the smooth facilitation of the entire training.
The completers, trainers, and partner agencies were given certificates of participation and appreciation by the office of Ramos as well as their allowances as part of the Training Support Fund released by the MBHTE-TESD Lanao del Sur.