October 23, 2026 | SULTAN KUDARAT, MAGUINDANAO DEL NORTE — The Sultan Muhammad Dipatuan Kudarat Islamic Academy Foundation, Inc. (SMDKIAFI), through its leadership, formally strengthened its partnership with the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education – Schools Division Office of Cotabato City (MBHTE-SDOCC) through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) Signing Ceremony held on October 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the SMDKIAFI Founder’s Hall.
SMDKIAFI hosted and represented the activity by Datu Ismael V. Mastura, Al-Hadj, School President, Bai Rasmia T. Abag, LPT, Dean of the Faculty, and Juleiha S. Imam, LPT and Al-noor A. Kamid, LPT, Internship Supervisors.
Representing the MBHTE Schools Division Office of Cotabato City was Dr. Johnny G. Balawag, Director I and Officer-in-Charge Schools Division Superintendent. In his message of support, Dr. Balawag emphasized the importance of applying the knowledge and pedagogical skills acquired by the pre-service teachers, highlighting that SKIA has invested in equipping them with the latest and trending pedagogical techniques that require practical application. He further encouraged the future educators to serve with purpose and passion, expressing his high expectations for them to become quality teachers who will contribute to the development of the Bangsamoro region, In Sha Allah.
Also in attendance from the Schools Division Office was Jailannie C. Palumbi, J.D., Administrative Officer V; Education Program Supervisors (EPS); Regional CPP Focal; and Administrative Assitants.
The ceremony also highlighted the vital role of the two cooperating schools participating in the Teaching Internship Program: Don E. Sero Elementary School and Cotabato City National High School (CCNHS) Annex – Don E. Sero Site. Representing DESES was Dr. Lilibeth N. Serenobis, Ph.D., Academic Coordinator, while Jun T. Uka, School Head, represented CCNHS Annex – Don E. Sero Site.
Beyond the formal signing of the agreement, the ceremony established a framework for defining the roles, responsibilities, and commitments of the participating institutions. It also underscored the importance of collaboration among the higher education institution, the schools division office, and cooperating schools in ensuring a meaningful and well-supervised internship experience.
The MoA Signing Ceremony marks a significant step in strengthening the relationship among SMDKIAFI, MBHTE-SDOCC, DESES, and CCNHS Annex – Don E. Sero Site. Through their shared commitment, the institutions look forward to sustaining a productive partnership that supports quality teacher education and prepares competent, responsible, and dedicated future educators.
