Friday, June 1, 2012

PIA/IAG: DepEd launches Islamic-friendly and culturally-sensitive curriculum in ARMM

PASIG CITY (PIA/May 23) -- Starting June this year, an Islamic-friendly and culturally-sensitive curriculum for Muslim learners will be implemented in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) even as the national government continues to allot resources to further train Muslim teachers.

The curriculum was launched recently in Lamitan City, Basilan, attended by Department of Education (DepEd) representatives and ARMM officials and the local government unit of Basilan, a press report from DepEd said.

Two types of curriculum were prescribed in Madrasah or Muslim educational institutions. The Enriched Curriculum for Public Elementary Schools uses the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) taught by qualified asatidz (Muslim teachers) who were trained by DepEd.

The other is the Standard Curriculum for Private Madaris (Muslim schools) which teaches subjects such as Qur’an, Seerah (Life Story of the Prophet), Hadith (Sayings of the Prophet), Aqueedah (conduct), Fiqh (jurisprudence) and Arabic language alongside Science, Math, English, Filipino and Makabayan.

Early this year, Luistro signed a memorandum of agreement with then ARMM governor Ansarrudin Alonto-Adiong for the implementation of ALIVE curriculum in the ARMM region.

“We are glad that the Madrasah ALIVE curriculum will be finally taught in the heartland of Muslim society years after it was first successfully implemented in seven other regions including the National Capital Region where there is a sizable Muslim population,” said Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro.

Luistro added that he pursued the implementation of Madrasah curriculum because he believes that education is key to peace and prosperity. It must be noted that Madrasah education is the third priority in President Benigno S. Aquino III’s ten-point education agenda.

For 2012, Luistro approved the allocation of P300 million to fund various initiatives to widen the implementation of Madrasah and upgrade the training of azatids (Muslim teachers).

Luistro explained that Madrasah education using the ALIVE curriculum aims to integrate Muslim students into mainstream society. “Their education should be such that they have an equal chance of being employed as their counterparts who graduated in sectarian and non-sectarian schools because they have been properly prepared.”

One of the first acts of Luistro when he assumed office was the creation of the Office of Madrasah Education. To get things started, Luistro ordered the release of P75 million for preparatory activities such as orientation and training of asatidz.

DepEd has set the qualifying exam for asatidz on ALIVE and those who qualify will undergo a 25-day pre-service training on language enhancement and pedagogy.

"Moral Governance"

English - "Good governance for a progressive and peaceful BARMM."

Sinama - "Hap pamarinta tudju BARMM na sambu maka salamat"

Bahasa Sug - "Dan mabuntul tudju pa BARMM masambu iban mahatul"

Meranaw - "Mathitu a kandatu sa BARMM ko katagompiya go kalilintad"

Slogan

"Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE)"