Cotabato City, BARMM – In a significant event to boost quality science education in the region, the Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Science and Technology awarded a total of Php 11,600,000.00 cash grants to 290 scholars of the Bangsamoro Special Assistance for Science Education (BSASE) on June 20, 2024.
The event, held at EM Manor Hotel and Convention Center, also included the mass oath-taking of these scholars. BARMM Senior Minister Abunawas Maslamama, MOST Minister Engr. Aida Silongan, Deputy Minister Edsel Mohammad Jilhano, Bangsamoro Director General Engr. Abdulrakman Asim, and Members of the Parliament such as MP Ali Babao, MP Suwaib Oranon, MP Susana Anayatin, and other MPs’ representatives, supporting the scholarship program led the oath-taking ceremony.
Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim, serving as the keynote speaker, emphasized the importance of education in promoting science, technology, and innovation, describing it as crucial for economic growth and producing S&T professionals.
“The Bangsamoro Government firmly believes that education is crucial for our continued pursuit and progress in science and technology, an engine towards economic growth by promoting and fostering science, technology, and innovation and producing S&T professionals,” CM Ebrahim said during his keynote message.
Minister Silongan addressed the grantees, encouraging them to harness the power of science to shape their lives and the future of Bangsamoro.
“Your journey will begin by implementing the power of science to shape your lives and the future of Bangsamoro. We believe in you to bring us a brighter tomorrow. May your journey be filled with inspiration and success,” Minister Silongan said.
The 1st batch of grantees received Php 40,000.00 for the 1st semester of the 2024 academic year (January to May). These college students, pursuing S&T courses, applied through the Office of MPs with facilitation by MOST-BARMM. They will receive Php 8,000.00 per month next semester. The second batch of grantees from Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi will also receive grants and take their oath. This year, a total of 400 grantees will benefit from the BSASE Scholarship Program. MOST allocated Php 33,000,000.00 for the 2024 scholar grants under BSASE GAAB, co-initiated by Members of Parliament.
The BSASE scholarship grants, a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Science and Technology established under the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA), aim to support the educational pursuits of talented individuals from the Bangsamoro region.
Through MOST’s Science Education, Scholarship, Grants, and Awards component, the program seeks to advance science education and foster a highly skilled workforce within the region.
By empowering Bangsamoro students to excel in science and technology, this initiative encourages them to become future leaders in scientific innovation, research, and technological advancement.
MOST congratulated all the grantees as they board on this journey towards academic and professional success.
#MOSTUpdates2024
[Information and Communication]