BME to boost Islamic studies in BARMM

COTABATO CITY  -- To strengthen the Madaris education in the region, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao - Bureau of Madaris Education (BARMM-BME) held an orientation for principals (Mudara) of traditional Madaris, education officials said today.

Madaris (plural Madrasah) refers to Muslim private school with core emphasis on Islamic studies and Arabic literacy.  It is the oldest educational institution in Mindanao and is recognized to be the single most important factor in the preservation of the Islamic faith and culture in the Philippines.

The gathering in Cotabato City was attended by over 700 Mudaras from across the Bangsamoro region, including those from 63 towns in North Cotabato, and Cotabato City.

With the theme “Strengthening Madrasah Education Geared towards Attainment of Quality Balance Education,” the gathering was an opportunity for Madaris Mudaras to clarify issues and concern in providing quality education.

The vision of the BARMM-BME is to have a balanced and quality education for all in the BARMM, according to Dr. Ismael Abdullah, BME director general.

“What does it mean to have a balanced education? It is for our next generation to completely understand the Arabic and English language,” he said.

Abdullah also explained that the children should learn the Arabic language for them to fully understand the Holy Quran and learn the English language as technologies since in the country the ways of living are mostly taught in English.

“Studying both Arabic and English is the children’s key to attain the good here in the world and, in the hereafter,” Abdullah stressed.

During the program, the participants also received inputs on proper Madrasah management, and the rules, duties and responsibilities of Madaris principals. (Edwin O. Fernandez)