COTABATO CITY - In a significant step towards improving public services and empowering marginalized communities, the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) and the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on October 31, 2024. 

This partnership aims to integrate social services and technical education, providing opportunities for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and other MSSD programs in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in MuslimMindanao (BARMM).

 

Under the agreement, the MBHTE's Technical Education and Skills Development (TESD) program will provide scholarship grants and skills training to 4Ps beneficiary families and other qualified MSSD beneficiaries. The training will equip individuals with practical skills relevant to various industries, enhancing their employability and earning potential.

 

MSSD Director General Atty. Mohammad Muktadir Estrella expressed his delight at the collaboration, stating, "We are pleased that our 4Ps beneficiary families will now have access to the training provided by TESD, our valuable partner in this agreement."

 

MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal also voiced his full support and commitment to the program's implementation, highlighting its potential to significantly benefit the Bangsamoro community.

 

Director General Ruby Andong of the Directorate General on Technical Education emphasized their focus on the well-being of beneficiaries and ensuring meaningful outcomes from their efforts. 

MSSD Deputy Minister Nur-ainee Tan-Lim added, "This is a perfect partnership between MBHTE and MSSD. MBHTE invests in the long term – it takes 15 years to develop a professional – while MSSD is known for its rapid response and service as frontliners. By combining the needs of our constituents, we have found a formula to truly uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro."

 

This agreement signifies a united effort to improve the livelihoods of beneficiaries and reflects a shared goal for sustainable development and community empowerment.