By KC Santos
MANILA CITY, METRO MANILA--The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P251.6 million for the nationwide implementation of the Madrasah Education Program which aims to enhance educational development of Filipino Muslims.
The Madrasah Education Program has three components: Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) in public schools, ALIVE for Muslim out of school youths and adults, and assistance to private madaris. ALIVE classes are now being implanted in 893 public elementary schools nationwide.
The fund release is aligned with the commitment of President Benigno S. Aquino III to uplift the standard of education of Filipinos in order for the country to move forward, DBM Secretary Florencio B. Abad said in the agency's website.
“We need to mainstream and institutionalize Madrasah Education as part of the National System of Basic Education to promote lasting peace,” Abad said.
Of the fund release, P173.25 million will go to the Department of Education (DepEd) Office of the Secretary Proper while P78.350 million will be released directly to the different Schools Division Offices to cover the allowances of asatidz or Muslim teachers.
The DBM further said the asatidz under the Madrasah Education Program had undergone training to raise the quality of delivery of ALIVE subjects.
A total of 1,567 asatidz passed the training in school year 2010-2011 and were deployed in the ALIVE classes with a monthly allowance of P5,000.
Likewise, in line with the DepEd’s policy to decongest public schools by providing support to private institution, financial assistance to 39 private madaris have been granted since school year 2008-2009 with the amount of P5,000 per student.
Abad noted that there is a P48.4-million difference from the original fund request of DepEd of P300 million. The amount is supposed to cover the allowances for new Asatidz that still has to be hired by DepEd. He clarified that DBM is now releasing the fund request based on actual requirements of the agency for its filled positions.
