Bangsamoro legislators file bill to establish Special Madrasah Fund

COTABATO CITY - Bangsamoro legislators have introduced a bill designed to create and institutionalize quality and competitive madrasah education curricula.

Principally authored by Member of the Parliament Mohammad Kelie Antao, BTA No. 168, is co-authored by MPs Mohagher Iqbal, Atty. Lanang Ali Jr., Suwaib Oranon, Bassir Utto, Tawakal Midtimbang, Mudjib Abu, Suwaib Oranon, and Bassir Utto.

The proposed legislation, called the Special Madrasah Fund for Quality and Competitive Muslim Education (SMF-QCME), seeks to establish a dedicated fund to enhance the development and standardization of madrasah education curricula from grade 1 to senior high schools in the Bangsamoro region.

MP Antao emphasized that this initiative is crucial for nurturing future Bangsamoro leaders who are equipped with spiritual and technical knowledge, enabling them to promote moral governance and development justice in the region.

Under the bill, the special fund will support the creation of basic Islamic-laden madrasah education curricula that are well-balanced, encompassing both spiritual and worldly aspects of education.

It will facilitate the integration of parallel basic education curricula with the cooperation of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE).

The integration will enable madrasah elementary and high school learners to obtain the Learning Accreditation and Equivalency (LAE) certificate issued by DepEd, ensuring their smooth transition to the mainstream education system if they choose to transfer.

The LAE certificate can also serve as a recognized qualification for those seeking employment opportunities that require an elementary or secondary graduate diploma.

The bill also aims to enhance the Basic Madrasah Curriculum (BMC) from grade 1 to senior high school, prioritizing the provision of quality and competitive education for Muslim youths in the region.

The legislators believe that this measure will provide a balanced, functional, integrated, sustainable, and competitive basic madrasah education for the Muslim youth in the Bangsamoro region.

The bill will undergo further deliberations and consultations among lawmakers, education experts, and stakeholders to ensure its viability and effectiveness in meeting the educational needs of Muslim youth in the Bangsamoro region. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)