NEWS




2May
IN PHOTO: Project PeaceConnect Culminating Activity with TAF country representative for the Philippines Sam Chittick (center), standing from left is Hamzah Dulat of TAF, (R) Tu Alfonso of MBHTE and Faydiyah Samanodi of UNYPAD. (Photo courtesy of UNYPAD)

The Asia Foundation recognizes MBHTE’s ‘Panduwan’ radio program

The Asia Foundation (TAF) recognized the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education’s (MBHTE) radio program, “Mga Panduwan nu MBHTE,” for creating an outstanding impact in bridging learning communities in the Bangsamoro and Mindanao.
The Panduwan radio program was implemented in partnership with United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) under the Project “Restoring Mutual Trust in Mindanao through People to People Engagement” also known as Project PeaceConnect.

TAF conferred a certificate of appreciation to UNYPAD during the culminating activity of Project PeaceConnect” held at Limketkai Luxe Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City on April 29-30, 2021. 

Panduwan is an initiative that had been providing information on MBHTE’s programs and activities especially on Education Continuity Plan (ECP) in the current period of Covid-19 pandemic.

It has also became the avenue for updating of the MBHTE’s schools division offices on their activities and accomplishments. 

The radio program was aired for eight months from September to December last year and January to April this year over 92.1 Voice FM Cotabato in Cotabato City and in DXUP Teleradyo in Upi, Maguindanao. 

Panduwan was also live streamed at social media through the official Facebook page of MBHTE and Bangsamoro Multimedia Network.

In order to reach communities without internet connection, it was also aired over two-way radio through Bangsamoro Communications Network (BCN). 

Alfonso received the award along with other peace organizations in Mindanao who partnered with TAF in implementing Project PeaceConnect.

During the turnover ceremony of arm chairs in Upi, Maguindanao in January 12 along with the launching of Panduwan nu MBHTE in the said town, Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal congratulated the Panduwan Team in creating a platform for the information dissemination of the education ministry’s programs for the Bangsamoro learners. 

To maximize the participation of Schools Divisions, the ministry has mobilized Teacher-Reporters in the nine (9) Schools Divisions of MBHTE and trained the volunteer reporters on broadcast journalism with the help of TAF Reverb capacity building program for radio broadcasters. 

Panduwan has also provided feedback mechanisms for the MBHTE on issues and concern of individuals, groups and organizations related to education. 

Alfonso said the landscape of education has changed in the country and in the Bangsamoro that affects the quality of education as face to face classes are being restricted under the new normal. 

“With this situation, the MBHTE maximizes all platforms of communication to efficiently and effectively deliver the information needed by our education stakeholders,” Alfonso added. 

In a focus groups discussion facilitated by UNYPAD on April 27-29, as part of the field monitoring survey of MBHTE, respondents that included teachers, school heads and parents lauded Panduwan citing it has strengthened the communication and information dissemination and feed-backing of education ministry.  

“The project PeaceConnect which is supported by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) ends this month (April). That is also the reason why the MBHTE radio program is temporarily off-the-air because the assistance is coming from the TAF,” Alfonso said.

Former program manager of TAF Project’s PeaceConnect, Crisanto V. Cayon, said he will find ways to re-launch the Panduwan nu MBHTE.

Cayon said he is eyeing the FORWARD Bangsamoro Project which is also implemented in partnership also with TAF to support the Panduwan radio program. (UNYPAD Communications Team)