During the celebration of the signing of the Madrasah Education Strategic Plan, the Memorandum of Understanding was held to formalize the commitments of various donors and stakeholders to enable BARMM to overcome challenges in the delivery of quality and inclusive education services, ensuring that every child in Bangsamoro has equal opportunities. (L-R: Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afif Hasbullah, Darul Ulum Islamic University; Dr. Muhammad Hafidz Nasrullah, Rector, Darul Ulum Islamic University; Honorable Mohagher M. Iqbal, Minster, Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education; and, Tahir G. Nalg, Director General for Madaris Education, Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education.)
The Madrasah Education Strategic Plan for the Bangsamoro region was signed on July 18, 2024, and the Bangsamoro government celebrated the occasion. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has committed to improving the quality of formal madrasah education during the next three years. This is outlined in the Plan by the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education.
An Islamic educational institution called a madrasah seeks to make Muslim students morally pure and dedicated to excellence. The Ministry acknowledges the important role madrasah education plays in maintaining the BARMM’s peace, stability, and potential for growth. The objective is to cultivate the next generation of Muslim professionals and innovators who can propel regional economic expansion, peace, and stability.
Various donors and stakeholders gathered last July 18, 2024 at Dusit Thani Manila, Makati City to celebrate the signing of the Madrasah Education Strategic Plan for the Bangsamoro region. (L-R: Mark James Evangelista, Department Liaison Unit Head, Department of Budget and Management; Director Susana S. Santiago, Chief, Project Management Service, Department of Education; Mr. Peter Adams, Development Counsellor Australia; Dr. Moya Collett, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy in the Philippines; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afif Hasbullah, Trustee, Darul Ulum Islamic University; Dr. Muhammad Hafidz Nasrullah, Rector, Darul Ulum Islamic University; Honorable Mohagher M. Iqbal, Minster, Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education; Tahir G. Nalg, Director General for Madaris Education, Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education; Mr. Michael Alexander Ang, Jordan Consul General; Ms. Fardella Eusoff, Third Secretary, Embassy of Brunei in the Philippines; Ms. Asuka Ishizaka, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines)
The Ministry received technical support from the Australian Government in order to design the Plan. In order to assist with the drafting process, they led consultation meetings with pertinent partners, reviewed madrasah education policies, and organized expert discussions.
“As neighbours and strategic partners, Australia and the Philippines share the goal of achieving a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region – and we believe that education plays a vital role in achieving this,” said Dr Moya Collett, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy.
“I thank our friends and partners from the Ministry for their continued dedication in strengthening education policies and institutions in the BARMM. Australia remains committed to working with you in shaping a more peaceful and prosperous region.”
Under the Plan, the Ministry aims to increase the number of Bangsamoro learners – regardless of gender, physical ability, and social and economic status – by 30%. By 2025, they also aim to increase the number of formal madrasah institutions by 15%. Institutionalizing madrasahs is important because it allows the Ministry to monitor and regulate the quality of education and services they provide.
When it comes to incorporating traditional madrasah into the Bangsamoro educational system, the Ministry has made significant progress. There are currently 373 officially recognized madrasahs offering Islamic education for grades K–12. Along with the Australian Government, a policy guide was created to facilitate the certification of 444 non-formal madrasahs. In order to eventually accredit non-formal madrasas as well, the Ministry also intends to create a standardized curriculum for all madrasah.
Mohagher M. Iqbal, Minister of MBHTE said: “Strengthening madrasah education represents ‘unity in diversity.’ It demonstrates Bangsamoro’s firm commitment to preserving our region’s rich historical, religious, and educational heritage while creating an inclusive environment where every learner, regardless of background, can succeed.”
“Madrasah education is integral to our people’s aspiration to shape our educational policies and systems. Therefore, the Bangsamoro deserves genuine autonomy that all parties should honor. A thriving autonomy is the true solution to the recurring internal conflicts in the region.”
No Comments