ARMM rolls out Australia-funded Pathways education program

MANILA, Philippines — The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has rolled out its P3.6-billion Education Pathways to Peace in Mindanao (Pathways) program.

Pathways is a nine-year program funded by the Australian government designed to improve the delivery of basic education and contribute to peacebuilding in the ARMM.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, together with National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Ernesto Pernia, presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza and ARMM regional executive secretary Laisa Alamia launched Pathways in March 2017 in Davao City.

Pathways will support the Philippine government’s effort to strengthen its core education services with a focus on institutional strengthening; curriculum, learning and delivery; teacher management and teaching quality; and policy, planning and data management, according to Department of Education (DepEd)-ARMM secretary Rasol Mitmug Jr.

“With support from Pathways, DepEd-ARMM will be investing heavily in evidence-based programs and approaches in our effort to improve the delivery of basic education in this part of the country,” Mitmug said.

The program’s emphasis is on the K to 3 levels, noting the significance of quality basic education as the foundation for life-long learning.

“We believe that if we equip our grade-schoolers, they will be better prepared for intermediate, secondary and tertiary education as well as technical and vocational training,” he said.

Australian embassy Deputy Head of Mission Mat Kimberley, who attended the program launch, highlighted Australia’s continuing support for peace and development initiatives in southern Philippines, especially in the ARMM.

“Australia is committed to our partnership with the Philippines, a seven-decade-long bilateral relationship that has gone from strength to strength. Australia remains the Philippines’ largest development partner in the education sector,” Kimberley said.

Pathways, according to Kimberly, will build on the gains of Australia’s previous programs in the ARMM and will closely engage education stakeholders and promote innovation in education.

Australia’s support for education initiatives in the ARMM is longstanding. The 10-year Basic Education Assistance in Mindanao project was launched in 2002 and succeeded by the Basic Education Assistance for Muslim Mindanao, which was implemented from 2012 to 2017.