4 more schools in QC join Madrasah program

The Madrasah educational program has expanded further in Quezon City with the inclusion of four more schools as program implementation sites.

The four are the Betty-Go Belmonte Elementary School, Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School, Doña Josefa Marcos Elementary School and Placido del Mundo Elementary School.

This brings to 11 the total number of Quezon City schools where Madrasah classes are being conducted.

Quezon City has been chosen by the Department of Education (DepEd) last year as pilot site for the implementation of the Standard Curriculum for Public Elementary Schools and Private Madaris or Muslim schools.

The program is in response to the "Global Commitment in Education to All, irrespective or race, color, religion or culture, and by virtue of the 1996 Peace Agreement.

Under the program, Islamic values and Arabic language will be taught in elementary schools.

The Private Madaris, on the other hand, will teach English, Math, Science, Pilipino and Makabayan subjects in order to harmonize the Philippine educational system and the Madrasah system of the Muslims.

The seven pilot schools offering the program are the Culiat Elementary School, Fairview Elementary School, Holy Spirit Elementary School, North Fairview Elementary School, Payatas A Elementary School and the Rosa Susano Elementary School in Novaliches.

Now on its second year of implementation, Madrasah education in Quezon City has about 944 enrollees. Of the 11, Culiat has the most number of enrollees with 323.

Thirty-two Madrasah classes will be organized starting this schoolyear.

Also included in the expansion program is the hiring of 11 new Muslim Asatidz. or teachers to handle Madrasah classes, additional monitoring team and support staff, district supervisors, school principals, school janitors and security guards.

The new Muslim Asatidz underwent a 22-day Language Enhancement and Pedagogy (LEAP) training in Marikina City for the teaching of Islamic values and Arabic language to Muslim children.

The implementation of the Madrasah program is expected to bring about a more harmonious and peaceful co-existence of Christian and Muslim communities in the country. It is also aimed at helping Muslim settlers adjust to new environments. – Perseus Echeminada