The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) marked a significant milestone as it concluded a celebratory event today, April 18, honoring the achievements of the Access to Higher and Modern Education-Scholarship Program (AHME-SP) 1st cohort beneficiaries.
The ceremony, held at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City, spotlighted the remarkable journey of 1,400 scholars who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to their academic pursuits.
Esteemed guests who came to commend the perseverance and commitment of these graduating students were BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal, Bangsamoro Transition Authority Members of the Parliament, Cotabato City Mayor Para sa Lahat Bruce “BM” Matabalao, MBHTE Director General (DG) for Higher Education Marjuni Maddi, among others.
“This is a testament to our mission to producing Bangsamoro professionals in all areas of BARMM. We stand by our promise to uphold to reform the system to give access to quality service for social justice and every day we strive to make effective use of this promise”, said Chief Minister Ebrahim in his keynote message.
In his message, MBHTE Minister Iqbal looked back to the time when AHME was launched aiming “to create opportunities for the youth to gain access to quality higher education, to empower them to build a better future for themselves, and, in turn, to contribute to the growth and development of the Bangsamoro region.”
“Today, as I look at all of you, our first graduates under the AHME Program, I am filled with pride and optimism. I can see that dreams will become a reality for these youth and their families,” he added.
The event not only celebrated the scholars’ academic accomplishments but also underscored Education Ministry’s dedication to providing exceptional education in the Bangsamoro region.
DG Maddi expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the event’s success, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to its vision of ‘One Professional for Every Family.’
The AHME-SP, accessible to qualified senior high school and ALS graduates, offers a four- or five-year higher education curriculum. It prioritizes individuals from conflict-affected backgrounds, providing financial support of P60,000.00 per academic year or P30,000.00 per semester.
In a recent announcement, the Ministry disclosed the opening of applications for the AHME-SP Academic Year 2024-2025 (5th Cohort), set to commence on May 1, 2024, furthering its mission to empower Bangsamoro youth through education.
