The Aquino administration has released P251.6 million to enhance the educational development of Filipino Muslims, a government official said Wednesday.
In a press statement, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the amount was released to the Department of Education (DepEd) for the nationwide implementation of the Madrasah Education Program.
Of the amount, P173.25 million will go to the 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.
Abad noted that there is a P48.4-million difference from the original fund request of DepEd of P300 million.
The original amount is supposed to cover the allowances for new Asatidz that still have 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.
Abad stressed the need to mainstream and institutionalize the Madrasah Education as part of the National System of Basic Education to promote lasting peace.
“Education is the central strategy of the Aquino administration for investing in the people and enhancing their opportunity to gain meaningful employment," he said.
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 (school of higher religious education).
ALIVE classes are now being implemented in 893 public elementary schools nationwide.
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.
The national government also has been giving financial assistance to 39 private madaris since school year 2008–2009, amounting P5,000 per student. The aid is in line with DepEd’s policy to decongest public schools. — LBG
