The Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE), through its Directorate General for Madaris Education (DGME), officially launched today, July 26, the first-ever public madrasah in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The establishment of the public madrasah integrates with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Matatag Curriculum, offering core Islamic subjects including Qur’an, Seerah (life of the Prophet), Hadith (Prophetic narrations), Aqeedah (Islamic creed), Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and Arabic Language.
Education Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal was proud to say that it is the first public madrasah established not only in BARMM but also in the entire Philippines. Further, he ensured the creation of its own schools division offices as stipulated in the Bangsamoro Education Code.
“Bago natin ito naitatag, bago naipasa ang batas, inaral natin [ito],” he said, emphasizing the rigorous planning that preceded this launch.
Director General for Madaris Education Tahir Nalg highlighted that Madrasah education today is better compared to what it was before as the National Government will now extend financial aid and assistance.
“Upon the advent of BARMM, isa po sa kanilang pinagtuunan ng pansin [ay] ang palakasin po ang Madrasah education. Ang ebidensya po nyan ay itong Directorate General for Madaris Education,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Abdullah Andang, who represented Cotabato City Mayor Para sa Lahat Bruce Matabalao, assured the city government’s support in the implementation of the Public Madrasah in the city.
Member of the Parliament (MP) Ibrahim D. Ali referred to the launch as historic, underscoring it as a significant achievement born from prolonged efforts saying, “Isa po itong malaking legacy.”
Cotabato City Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Concepcion F. Balawag also expressed support and noted that the Madrasah has a growing number of enrollees who were given learners’ kits.
Meanwhile, the classes will commence on July 29, 2024, with Monawara Salik as the appointed as the School Head.
