DavNor Guv supports Muslim education

TAGUM CITY, June 19—Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario gave a thumbs-up to the initiatives of his office supporting the advancement of Muslim education.

Now pursued in the province alongside Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) program of the Department of Education is the Provincial Madrasah Literacy Program, spearheaded by the Governor’s Office.

Through the literacy program, additional 73 Azatids, collective term for teachers in Arabic, are receiving P1,500 honoraria monthly from the Provincial Government starting last year for teaching Arabic language and Islamic values to Muslim children every Saturdays and Sundays.

To further strengthen the bond among Azatids and enhance their skills, the office of the Governor conducted today in Capitol, Tagum City the 2nd Provincial Ustadz General Assembly which included a lecture on Lesson Planning and Grading System by Vilma Merina, Teacher II, from TADECO National High School; and a discussion about their appointment facilitated by Mila Laureno, Provincial Human Resource and Management Office supervisor. Ustadz is the singular term for teacher in Arabic. 

In an interview with the President of Madrasah Teachers Federation Ustadz Elesir Banac during the assembly, he said the literacy program recognizes that the Muslim community has its own system of education.

When asked if the program has been useful, Ustadz Banac said “Dako gyud ug tabang sa Muslim community (big help to the Muslim community).” It “addresses the problem” (of sustaining Muslim education), he added.

In his message delivered by Executive Assistant III Joevynar Villar, Gov. del Rosario is hopeful for a more progressive Muslim community in the province.

Program Coordinator Javier Ranain revealed that apart from the literacy program, the Governor’s Office is also pursuing the Provincial Mosabaqah in coordination with the Provincial Sports Development Office but this time for the Azatids’ students.

Provincial Mosabaqah (contest) is like a Provincial Meet where Madrasah students from all over the province participate in various literary and sports events, said Ranain. Madrasah is Arabic for school. (  by Mera Grace E. Apuya/DavNor PIO)