The Bangsamoro parliament approved Monday evening a measure establishing the Bangsamoro Science High School, giving students interested in science and technology careers a learning institution near them.

Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the regional lawmaking body in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), approved BTA Bill No. 37, or the Bangsamoro Science High School (BSHS) System Act of 2023.

In a statement Tuesday, BTA Speaker Pangalian Balindong said the approval reflects the collective commitment of BTA to provide Bangsamoro students with opportunities to excel in science and technology without needing to seek education outside the region.

The approved bill aims to create an institution at par with the esteemed Philippine Science High School, he said.

BTA member Engr. Aida Silongan, concurrent minister of the region’s Ministry of Science and Technology, said the school will not only focus on science and technology but also integrate into its curriculum the values of education and Arabic studies.

Silongan said the unique blend is designed to promote a strong foundation in science education while nurturing faith among Bangsamoro learners.

Initially, BARMM will allocate a budget of PHP55 million for the implementation, covering land acquisition, dormitory construction and fencing. The funding for the school building itself will be secured through a Special Development Fund.

The bill initially identified Parang town in Maguindanao del Norte as the school location, but regional lawmakers have yet to finalize matters through rigorous evaluations, including feasibility, seismic analysis, resistance to natural disasters, and the maintenance of a peaceful environment.

The target is to welcome the inaugural batch of freshmen enrollees by 2025.

To bring the science high school to more Bangsamoro people, officials said plans are underway to replicate the BSHS model in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi as well as in BARMM Special Geographic Area in North Cotabato.

SGA refers to 63 Muslim-populated villages in North Cotabato that opted to join the autonomy setup during a two-part plebiscite held in January and February 2019.

The BSHS System Act mandates gender equality and inclusivity, implementation of policies and programs that create an inclusive learning environment, providing equal opportunities and support for all faculty members and students, regardless of gender.

Qualified learners will be granted comprehensive support, including free tuition fees, accommodation, and educational supplies.

Implementing rules and regulations for the school will outline the benefits for qualified students, determine the school’s location, and establish the number of students to be accommodated from each region, among other aspects.

The MOST-BARMM will be responsible for the administrative control and supervision of the school, ensuring its successful operation and fulfilling its ambitious mission. (PNA)