The Manila City Council expressed its full support for the Madrasah Education Program after passing on second reading an ordinance aimed at strengthening and institutionalizing the said initiative. 

"Draft Ordinance No. 8873, principally authored by Councilor Elmer Par, seeks to integrate community-based Islamic schools into the city’s support framework. This will provide clear mechanisms for accreditation, curriculum standardization, technical assistance, and financial subsidies for Madrasah teachers who have long served their communities voluntarily," Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza said.

According to Par, Manila is home to approximately 50,000 Muslims, which is roughly 2 percent of the city's population, with high concentrations in the Golden Mosque area.

He explained his draft ordinance highlights the plight of Madrasah educators who for decades have relied on the generosity of private donors and barangay officials just to keep their schools running. 

He added that while daycare centers receive standard financial support and books from the city, Islamic schools have often been overlooked. 

The measure was also supported by Councilor Voltaire “Caloy” Castañeda, who pointed out that this was a matter of equal rights.

“I think it's about time din po na matulungan na rin sila ng siyudad ng Maynila para mabigyan po ng pantay na karapatan ang ating mga kapatid na Muslim (I think it's about time that the city of Manila also helps them so that our Muslim brothers and sisters can be given equal rights)," Castañeda said.

Councilor Lou Veloso also expressed his approval of the measure, stressing the importance of standardizing the curriculum to ensure the quality of education in Madrasah matches the private and public schools while still preserving Islamic values.

Atienza commended the authors of the measure as well as the entire city council for prioritizing the welfare of the Muslim community, a move that resonates deeply with her pillar of inclusivity.

“Ako’y masaya sa ginawang ordinansa ni Konsehal Par dahil suportado ko rin po ang ating mga kababayan na mga Muslim. Sana'y makaisip pa kayo ng iba't-ibang paraan para maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan na Muslim na sila ay suportado at inklusibo ang ating gobyerno sa Maynila (I am happy with the ordinance made by Councilor Par because I also support our Muslim compatriots. I hope you can think of different ways to make our Muslim community feel supported by the more inclusive government of Manila)," she explained.