AN Islamic-friendly and culturally sensitive curriculum for kindergarten and secondary levels developed by the Department of Education (DepEd) will be introduced in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in school year 2012-2013, as part of the program to implement Madrasah and upgrade training of azatids (Muslim teachers) through the Accelerated Teacher Education Program of the DepEd, in coordination with partner-universities.
There are two types of Muslim education prescribed by Muslim educational experts and institutions: The first is the Enriched Curriculum for Public Elementary School, based on teaching approaches using the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE). An agreement was signed between DepEd and ARMM early this year to implement ALIVE in the region.
ALIVE was earlier carried out in Lamitan City, Basilan, and in some Muslim areas in Metro Manila before it is implemented in ARMM, where majority of the country’s Muslim population reside. The ALIVE curriculum for elementary level was reviewed last year, resulting in the Refined Elementary Curriculum, jointly revisited by DepEd and Ulama (Muslim educators). Madrasah education using the ALIVE curriculum is integrating Muslim students into mainstream society and preparing them to have an equal chance of being employed as their counterparts who graduate from sectarian and non-sectarian schools.
The second curriculum is the Standard Curriculum for Private Madaris (plural form of Madrasah) that teaches subjects such as Qur’an, Seerah, Hadith (Sayings of the Prophet), Aqueedah (conduct), Fiqh (jurisprudence), and Arabic language alongside Math, Science, English, Filipino, and Makabayan (Social Studies, Livelihood Education, Values). The Madrasah education program was formulated to meet the needs of Muslim Filipino children. DepEd Order 51, signed in 2004, stated that all public and private Madaris in Muslim communities are encouraged to implement the curriculum as a vital component of the educational system.
Madrasah education remains a sector of the Philippine educational system that enhances, promotes, and develops the Muslim cultural heritage. The upgrading of the Madrasah’s quality of education, its curriculum, and facilities continues to be part of the educational thrust of the government. MABUHAY!
