BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Over 60 representatives from the basic and higher education sectors, civil society and non-government organisations, the national government, and officials from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) gathered for a roundtable discussion on the English and Digital for Girls’
Education (EDGE) programme, a British Council initiative designed to equip adolescent girls aged 13 – 19 with English proficiency, digital literacy, and essential social skills.

“Despite its rich cultural heritage and strong vision for peace and development, BARMM continues to face some of the Philippines’ most persistent challenges in education, particularly for girls, due to various long-standing factors beyond their control. Our landmark EDGE roundtable engaged experts and champions to explore actionable pathways to effect meaningful change for these young girls,” said British Council Country Director, Lotus Postrado.

EDGE focuses on supporting adolescent girls, especially those from marginalised communities, to make informed and independent life choices. In 2024, the British Council, in partnership with the National Teachers College, conducted a scoping study on EDGE in BARMM to understand the specific challenges faced by the marginalised Filipino adolescent girls, and determine the viability of the programme.

The study identified critical barriers to girls’ education, including limited access to school materials, financial aid, and educational programmes within the community; scarce job opportunities and skills training; limited access to government support and school meals, and the need for improved roads leading to schools in remote areas, among others.

“This is why we also work beyond classrooms — from [tech-voc] skills programmes for women in Sulu, to inclusive access policies in the Alternative Learning System — because empowerment is holistic, and education is its foundation. Programs like EDGE with its focus on English, digital literacy, and confidence for girls are well-placed to advance our goals,” said Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) Director-General for Basic Education, Abdullah P. Salik, Jr.

During the EDGE roundtable, participants explored possible joint actions to address these gender and education challenges. The insights gathered from the roundtable workshop will help shape future programmes for girls in BARMM, to be implemented by the local government, and the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, alongside key actors from the local and national government, and various partner organisations.

*All Photos from British Council