TAWI-TAWI — Minister Mohagher Iqbal of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) paid a courtesy visit to the Tawi-Tawi provincial government on Monday as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the education sector in the province.

At the Provincial Capitol, Iqbal met with Governor Yshmael Sali, Vice Governor Al-Syed Sali, and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to discuss the current state and future of education in the region.

 

During the meeting, Tawi-Tawi Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Lermalyn J. Tidal outlined challenges facing the sector, including issues highlighted in the report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). Long-term solutions and collaborative strategies between the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) and the provincial government were also discussed.

 

The Vice Governor expressed full support for MBHTE’s initiatives, while Floor Leader MP John Anthony Lim and MP Matarul Estino shared insights on further improving education quality in Tawi-Tawi.

 

Iqbal — First Vice Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Vice President of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) — also met with over 100 officials and members of political committees in Tawi-Tawi to prepare for the September 2026 elections. He emphasized the importance of strengthening organizational capacity and solidifying their programs.

 

However, the MILF clarified that Iqbal’s visit was unrelated to circulating allegations that he met with Governor Sali to endorse a political party formed by some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

 

Mohajirin Ali, the chairman of the MILF Central Committee on Information, called the claims black “propaganda” and misinformation intended to confuse the public. He stressed that the MILF recognizes only one political party, and all its officials and members — including the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) — are aligned with and support the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP).

 

He added that the Tri-Peoples political party formed by CSOs, along with other groups accredited by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), are part of the democratic process guaranteed by the constitution to participate in the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.

Write to Taher Guiambangan Solaiman