NEWS




26February

MBHTE assures Sulu teachers of continued salary disbursement amid transition

COTABATO CITY -- Mohagher Iqbal, Minister of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), has assured teachers and personnel in the Schools Division of Sulu regarding the ongoing transition following the Supreme Court's decision to exclude the province from the BARMM.
Despite the ruling and the subsequent formation of a Technical Working Group (TWG) under Executive Order No. 91 to manage the transition, Sulu personnel have yet to receive their compensation, initially slated to be funded by the Department of Education (DepEd) National starting January 2026.
 
Iqbal acknowledged the hardship this delay has caused and committed the MBHTE to continue funding Personnel Services (PS) to ensure that no teacher is left behind. This commitment was formalized in a Joint Memorandum with DepEd on February 5, 2026, affirming the MBHTE's responsibility for disbursing salaries and benefits for SDO Sulu during the transition period for Fiscal Year 2026.
 
"The MBHTE continues to prioritize the welfare of teaching and non-teaching personnel through a structured transition," Iqbal emphasized.
 
The Ministry clarified that the release of compensation is contingent upon the timely submission of complete and accurate documentary requirements from SDO Sulu. Recent submissions were found to be delayed and incomplete, specifically regarding proof of services rendered. 

As of the date of the announcement, January 2026 salaries are being credited to the affected employees. 

Iqbal urged SDO Sulu to immediately comply with all remaining requirements to facilitate salary payments for February.
 
He reassured the Bangsamoro education community of the MBHTE's steadfast commitment and stated that the ministry is working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless and uninterrupted transition, while adhering to all accounting and auditing rules and regulations.