Young learners in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are set to receive a boost in education, thanks to a new partnership between the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
On Tuesday, September 16, the two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to roll out the Comprehensive Gender and Health Education for Youth (CGHEY) program across the region from 2025 to 2028. The initiative aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values to make healthy choices, assert their rights, and shape their own futures with confidence.
Bringing Education to Every Corner of BARMM
CGHEY isn’t just for the traditional classroom. The program will be woven into basic education, alternative learning systems, Indigenous Peoples Education, special education, and the Madaris system, ensuring no learner is left behind.
MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal highlighted the significance of this partnership, saying, “The youth are the hope of our nation. Through this collaboration with UNFPA, we commit to nurturing their growth, health, and well-being, preparing them to become the leaders of tomorrow.”
Empowering the Next Generation
For UNFPA, the focus is clear: access to comprehensive gender and health education gives young people the tools to make informed choices and strengthens entire communities. By joining forces, MBHTE and UNFPA are sending a message that every learner in BARMM matters.
As the United Nations’ sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA envisions a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person reaches their full potential. Through this partnership, BARMM is taking a bold step toward a healthier, more informed, and empowered generation.
