Tempo: Islamic-friendly curriculum in ARMM

By INA HERNANDO-MALIPOT

Manila, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) will introduce an Islamic-friendly and culturally-sensitive curriculum in Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to be implemented when classes resume this coming June.

In line with the continued efforts of the national government to allot resources to further train Muslim teachers, the curriculum was launched recently in Lamitan City, Basilan. The event was attended by DepEd representatives and ARMM officials and the local government unit of Basilan.

Currently, there are two types of curriculum 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.

Earlier this year, Education Secretary Armin 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 Luistro.

Luistro added that he pursued the implementation of Madrasah curriculum believing that “education is key to peace and prosperity.” He explained that the Madrasah education is the number three priority in President Benigno Aquino III’s ten-point education agenda.

Source: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2012/islamic-friendly-curriculum-in-armm/#.T8eY-LCXT_8