COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Government expanded its investments in education and social protection on July 22 by rolling out more than P1.23 billion in scholarship assistance and welfare programs during the National Government–Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program.
The assistance, delivered by the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), formed part of the more than P3.4 billion worth of projects, services, and development interventions jointly implemented by the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government.
The convergence program was held simultaneously at the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, Philippine Army, in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, and the Bangsamoro Government Center in this city under the theme “Mas Matatag na Bangsamoro Tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
Strengthening social protection
MSSD allocated more than P1.22 billion for three of its flagship social protection programs: P560 million for the Bangsamoro Critical Assistance in Response to Emergency Situations (B-CARES), P540 million for the Kalinga sa May Kapansanan Program, and P122.64 million for the Kupkop Program.
The Ministry also operated a service booth for B-CARES consultations, orientations on the Ligtas Pamilya Project, and the distribution of emergency go-bags for psychosocial workers and medical requisition slips for essential medicines.
MSSD Minister Raissa Jajurie said the Ministry remains committed to working with both the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government to ensure government services reach communities across the region.
“Building an inclusive and a Matatag na Bangsamoro is a shared task. MSSD stands side-by-side with the Bangsamoro and National Governments, welcoming the President’s initiatives to drive meaningful progress across our communities,” Jajurie said.
The Kalinga sa May Kapansanan Program currently provides a monthly P1,000 subsidy to around 45,000 indigent persons with disabilities across BARMM, while the Kupkop Program extends P5,000 monthly assistance to 2,040 orphaned children. Since 2023, the B-CARES Program has assisted more than 184,855 individuals facing medical emergencies, disasters, armed conflict, and other crises.
Supporting future scientists
Meanwhile, MOST awarded P14.5 million in scholarship assistance to qualified beneficiaries under its Mujahideen Assistance for Science Education (MASE) and Professional Assistance for Science Education (PASE) programs.
The Ministry released P10 million for MASE scholars and P4.5 million for PASE grantees pursuing postgraduate studies in science and technology-related fields.
According to MOST, the grants will help cover tuition, learning materials, and other academic expenses while strengthening the region’s pool of science and technology professionals.
The convergence of assistance and services reflects the National and Bangsamoro Governments’ shared commitment to investment in human capital development as it expands access to education while strengthening social protection programs for vulnerable sectors across the region. (Settie Jehana Baunto/BIO)
