The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) kicked off today, May 11, in Cotabato City, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association (BARMMAA) Meet 2024.
The BARMMAA Meet is an annual week-long sports event organized by the MBHTE Bureau of Physical Education and Sports Development (BPESD). It aims to provide opportunities for athletically talented students to showcase their talents in their respective sports.
This year, almost 7,000 delegates from the 11 schools divisions of Basilan, Lamitan City, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato City, Special Geographic Area, Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur I, Lanao del Sur II, and Marawi City are gathered in the city. Athletes from the elementary and secondary levels of these divisions will compete in 22 sports events which include Archery, Arnis, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Baseball, Basketball, Billiard, Boxing, Chess, Dance Sports, Football, Futsal, Paralympics, Pencak Silat, Sepak Takraw, Softball, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Volleyball, Wushu, and Wrestling.
In his video welcome address, Cotabato City Mayor Para sa Lahat Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalo stressed the all-out support of his administration in the field of sports, saying, “mas lalo [naming] pinaghandaan at pinaghusayan ang pagiging host LGU sa ikalawang pagkakataon.”
“Give your best, strive for the championship, but please do not forget that the BARMMAA Meet may be a competition but the end goal is to bring out the best in all of us and unite us as a Bangsa,” he said.
Underscoring that BARMMAA is not just about competition but a profound expression of unity and shared aspirations, MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal said that it is “a platform that fosters regional identity and pride through interaction among athletes from various parts of the region.”
“To all our athletes competing, your dedication, hard work, and the lessons you will learn along the way are what truly matter. While we hope for your victory, we encourage you not to be disheartened if you cannot stand on the winner’s podium. Your participation alone is a testament to your strength and commitment,” said Minister Iqbal.
According to him, these young athletes represent the spirit of the Bangsamoro people – resilient, tenacious, and unyielding.
“You remind us that we are not defined by our struggles but by how we face them and rise again. You are the personification of our strength and the ambassadors of our vibrant culture and traditions,” the Minister concluded.
Meanwhile, in his video message, BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim assured that the Bangsamoro Government remains committed to supporting physical education and empowering sports as means to achieve a stronger and more united Bangsamoro.
“The BARMMAA Meet is just the beginning of your many narratives of success and we cannot wait to hear your narratives and weigh it as part of our proud Bangsamoro story,” said Chief Minister Ebrahim.
With the theme “Empowering Sports for a Stronger United Bangsamoro”, the BARMMAA Meet will conclude on May 15.
