Synergeia’s Chairman, Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, S.J. met with Senator Edgardo Angara to discuss the positive developments and challenges in basic education that confront ARMM municipalities.  Vice Mayor Ramon Piang of Upi, Maguindanao highlighted their progress in involving parents, the business sector, CSOs, and local academic community, in ensuring that children stay in school and get a better education.  He was very proud of the improvement in the ability of children to read, the enthusiastic involvement of parents, the reduction in dropout rate, and the heightened motivation of children.  Former Mayor Rayda Maglangit of Kapatagan stressed that education is the key to peace and development in Mindanao.

The Senator enthusiastically welcomed the leadership of local governments in providing access to quality education in Muslim Mindanao.  He promised to support their initiatives, initially through dedicating part of their CDF to programs in education in ARMM.  In the medium-term, he promised to look at legislations that would strengthen Local School Boards and provide more resources for basic education.  He said that he would be honored to sponsor the recognition of Outstanding Local School Boards in the country.