Gatchalian pushes for bill institutionalizing Arabic language, Islamic values education in PH
As the world celebrates World Arabic Language Day today, Sunday, December 18, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian pushed for the institutionalization of the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) in all public and private basic education schools outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Gatchalian earlier filed Senate Bill No. 382 or the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) Act to provide Muslim Filipino learners the proper and relevant educational opportunities while recognizing their culture, which includes the teaching of Arabic language and Islamic values.
The bill will also ensure the contribution of Muslim Filipinos to national goals and aspirations aimed at making them partners in nation-building.
The Senate Committee on Basic Education chairman said the measure supports the objective of fostering inclusive education to address and respond to students’ need for diversity and ensure full participation, presence, and achievement in learning cultures and communities.
Under the bill, the subjects of Arabic Language or Islamic Values Education, or both, shall be taught to Muslim and non-Muslim Filipino learners.
It also seeks the provision of relevant textbooks and instructional materials, as well as training or capacity-building of asatidz or teachers in most Muslim Filipino communities.
The bill also seeks to provide technical and financial educational support to Department of Education (DepEd)-accredited or recognized ‘madaris.’
Madaris are privately-operated, community-based educational institutions whose core emphasis are Islamic studies and Arabic literacy. The medium of instruction in madaris is the Arabic language.
“Bilang pagkilala sa kultura at mga kontribusyon ng ating mga kababayan at mga mag-aaral na Muslim, isinusulong natin ang mas pinaigting na mga programa sa ilalim ng Arabic Language and Values Education (In recognition of the culture and contributions of our Muslim compatriots and students, we are promoting more intensified programs under the Arabic Language and Values Education),” Gatchalian said.
“Bahagi rin ito ng ating pagsisikap upang matiyak na pagdating sa dekalidad na edukasyon, hindi mapag-iiwanan ang ating mga mag-aaral na Muslim (This is also part of our effort to ensure that when it comes to quality education, our Muslim students would not be left behind),” the lawmaker said.
The measure will also cover learners enrolled in the Alternative Learning System, aside from public schools and private madaris outside of BARMM.