BARMM to offer Islamic, Arabic studies

COTABATO CITY - The Committee on Basic, Higher, and Technical Education has approved a committee report on Bill No. 31, which seeks to establish the Bangsamoro Institute for Higher Islamic Studies (BIHIS), a specialized institution that will offer baccalaureate and post-graduate studies in Islamic and Arabic studies in the region.

Prof. Tahir Nalg, director general of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education’s Madaris Education, highlighted the significance of the institution by outlining how BIHIS differs from the current Regional Madrasah Graduate Education (REMA) system.

Prof. Nalg emphasized that BIHIS will integrate the standards established by the Commission on Higher Education while retaining a focus on Islamic studies and Arabic language education.

CBHTE Chair Eddie Alih said they will organize a joint meeting with the Committees on Amendments, Revision, and Codification of Laws and Finance, Budget, and Management to discuss the proposed budget for the establishment and operation of the institution.

BTA Bill No. 31 will repeal the Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 164, or the Regional Madrasah Graduate Education Act of 2003, once enacted. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)