By Umit Turk
BANGSAMORO (AA) - A foundation-laying ceremony for the university campus of the International Bangsamoro Turkish Education Academy (BTEA) was held on Sunday in the Autonomous Region of Bangsamoro, with support from Türkiye.
Ahead of the ceremony, Bangsamoro Prime Minister Ahod Ebrahim welcomed the Turkish delegation, emphasizing the role of education in fostering peace and development. He expressed gratitude to Türkiye for opening "a new door of hope" for the people of Bangsamoro.
Key officials attending the groundbreaking included Turkish President's Chief Advisor Israfil Kisla and Türkiye's Ambassador to Manila, Niyazi Evren Akyol. The first concrete for the campus was poured after a Quran recitation and a presentation by the construction company.
- Region’s long struggle for autonomy
Kisla highlighted the region’s long struggle for autonomy, dating back to the 1970s, and noted that economic progress cannot happen in a war-torn environment. He stressed the urgent need for improvements in transportation, infrastructure, health, and education in the Bangsamoro region.
Acknowledging Türkiye’s historical ties to Bangsamoro, Kisla said it is Türkiye’s duty to support those in need globally. He praised Turkish NGOs for their contributions to building local infrastructure, such as schools and water wells, and called the foundation-laying for the education academy a major step toward enhancing educational opportunities for local youth.
The BTEA is expected to help students pursue advanced studies in Türkiye, contributing to Bangsamoro's future development.
- From orphanage to university
Mehmet Cengiz, president of the Deniz Feneri Association, explained that the original plan was to build an orphanage. However, after discovering the absence of a university in the region, the project was expanded into the Bangsamoro Turkish Education Academy.
Cengiz stressed the academy’s significance as part of the Moro Muslims' long struggle for independence. The academy currently enrolls 120 students, but the new campus will accommodate 1,500. He also highlighted plans to further strengthen ties between Türkiye and Bangsamoro, noting the upcoming distribution of sacrificial animals to impoverished families in the area.
- Cooperation between Türkiye and Bangsamoro
A Turkish delegation, led by Deputy Minister of National Education Nazif Yilmaz, visited Bangsamoro to discuss potential cooperation in vocational training. Yilmaz reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to supporting vocational education in the region and spoke about developing international partnerships.
He also noted the strong participation of women in vocational training programs, underscoring the region’s potential for rapid development.
- Academy’s foundation and growth
The Turkish NGO consortium, including Deniz Feneri and Cansuyu, initially laid the foundation for the Bangsamoro Turkish Education Academy in 2018. By 2023, the academy was officially recognized as a private higher education institution under Philippine law, offering degrees in Islamic studies, fisheries, and tourism.
The academy, staffed by Turkish faculty, uses English, Filipino, and Turkish as its primary languages of instruction. Its permanent campus will feature architecture inspired by the Turkish Seljuk era, reflecting a blend of local and Turkish cultural values.