SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian has reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to advancing education reforms in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), stressing the need for stronger collaboration between the national government and the Bangsamoro regional government.

Gatchalian made the assurance during the launch of the “Turning Point: Photographs of Hope” exhibit and the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement establishing the Bangsamoro Education Coordination Forum (BECF).

The photo exhibit featured the works of documentary photographer Jilson Tiu, with contributions from George Calvelo, highlighting stories of resilience, learning, and hope from schools and communities while showcasing both the challenges and aspirations of education across the country.

According to Gatchalian, the newly established BECF will serve as a key platform for strengthening coordination between national agencies and the Bangsamoro government in addressing the region’s education concerns.

“Now that the BECF has been established, this will serve as the vehicle to foster broader and deeper discussions, allowing us to find solutions to the challenges facing education in BARMM. We will not leave BARMM behind. We are here. We will always keep you in mind and extend our support,” Gatchalian said.

Senator Bam Aquino echoed the commitment, emphasizing that education remains a shared priority in the Senate despite political differences. He said lawmakers continue to work together to pursue and fund key education reforms that will improve learning opportunities for Filipino students.

Senator Joel Villanueva likewise underscored the importance of sustained partnerships, expressing optimism that BARMM’s education sector will continue to progress as long as stakeholders remain united in advancing meaningful reforms.