TAGUIG CITY -- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Isidro Lapeña has assured the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) of appropriate assistance in improving the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in the area.

Lapeña made the statement as the TESDA Region XII on July 9 turned over assets, equipment, and properties of Cotabato City District Office and Provincial Training Center (PTC) - Cotabato to BARMM’s Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE)

“As TESDA is guided by its principle ‘TESDA Abot Lahat,’ we declare our commitment to help the MBHTE in advancing TVET in BARMM. I look forward to the successful implementation of your TVET programs,’ Lapeña said.

The ceremonial turnover was in line with the implementation of the Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law signed in 2018.

Last October 30, 2020, Lapeña and MBHTE Minister Mohagher Iqbal signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on the devolution of power, control, and supervision to TESD-BARMM over programs and projects allocated for or to be implemented in the Bangsamoro region.

Under the MoA, said programs and projects, whether locally-funded or foreign-assisted, including scholarships and grants, and assets with the corresponding budgetary support, shall be transferred to the Bangsamoro Government, through the MBHTE.

Meanwhile, in his message of acceptance, Iqbal expressed his gratitude to TESDA by ensuring that TVET will continue to be inclusive and within reach.

“It is, therefore, our inescapable duty in the MBHTE to see to it that this purpose is fulfilled. I look forward to collaborating with TESDA as we aspire to achieve higher excellence in TVET," Iqbal added.

Also present during the virtual event were Deputy Director General for TESD Operations Lina Sarmiento, TESDA XII Regional Director Rafael Abrogar II, Deputy Minister Atty. Haron Meling and TESD Bangsamoro Director General Ruby Andong. (TESDA)