US okays $33-M program for ARMM

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has approved a five-year, $33-million program to improve educational standards in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

US President George W. Bush will formally launch the initiative when he visits the country on Oct. 18, the DFA said in a statement.

Under the program, the USAID will assist in building educational centers in the ARMM and will help the Department of Education establish a voluntary accreditation scheme for Islamic schools.

Emphasis will be put on improving standards in math, science and English, as well as in setting up teacher training groups in community centers, the DFA said.

The ARMM covers Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.

These provinces are among the country’s most underdeveloped, and Muslim militants with alleged ties to the Jemaah Islamiyah and the al-Qaeda terror networks, are active in some of these areas. — Aurea Calica, AFP