IINA
MANILA, Shaaban -The Department of Management (DBM) today announces the release of P251.6 million to the Department of Education (DepEd) for the nationwide implementation of its education program for Muslims.
“Education is the central strategy of the Aquino administration for investing in the people and enhancing their opportunity to gain meaningful employment. At the same time, we need to mainstream and institutionalize Madrasah Education as part of the National System of Basic Education to promote lasting peace,” said Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, who also served as education secretary during the past administration.
Abad said the fund release is aligned with the commitment of President Benigno Aquino III to uplift the standard of education of Filipinos in order for the country to move forward.
The government said that 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.
It said ALIVE classes are now being implanted in 893 public elementary schools nationwide.
The DBM said that P173.25 million of the funds 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.
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.
In line with the DepEd’s policy to decongest public schools by providing support to private institution, financial assistance to 39 private madaris have been granted since school year 2008–2009 with the amount of P5, 000 per student.
Abad noted that there is a P48.4-million difference from the original fund request of DepEd of P300 million. The amount is supposed to cover the allowances for new Asatidz that still has 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.
July 16, 2011, IINA
