by Anna Marie C. Palma
Madrasah is the Arabic word for any type of school, secular or religious (any religion). In common English usage, "madrasah" is taken to refer to an Islamic religious school.
In a recent regional training held at RELC (Regional Education Learning Center) in San Fernando, La Union, all municipalities that are possible sights for Madrasah gathered in preparation for a full implementation of Madrasah Curriculum as authorized under DepEd Order No. 1, series of 2004 for SY 2006-2007.
Since Mangaldan is in close proximity to Dagupan City where there is a Muslim community, the town is deemed to be one of the possible sights for Madrasah. According to feasibility studies conducted by DepEd, there is a growing Muslim community in Mangaldan. Before, the Muslims here are just transients, now, more and more muslims are going to Mangaldan I Central School. Dr. Teresita G. Cera, Principal III of Mangaldan I Central School was designated by the Division Office to attend said training.
In the interest of national unity and implementation of the 1996 Peace Agreement, Madrasah Education is declared a vital component of the National Educational System. What is Madrasah? A minimum of 15 Muslim pupils, shall be sufficient to open classes in Arabic Language and Islamic Values. For schools with predominant Muslim population, classes shall be conducted in accordance with the normal procedure. For schools with the mized enrolment of Muslims and non-muslims, the Arabic Language and Islamic Values shall be scheduled after classes in the Restructured Basic Education Curriculum (RBEC) subjects of the DepEd, or as may be preferred by the Principal or Head of School. The teachers shall be appointed by the region with the following qualifications:
- college graduate of an Islamic institution in Muslim countries or a local Madrasah if available; otherwise, a high school graduate but proficient in Arabic Language or an experienced Madrasah teacher may be temporarily hired; and
- for high school graduates and/or experienced teachers in Weekend Madrasah, a certificate on their proficiency in Arabic Language and Islamic Values by a reputable Muslim organization is required.
- Teachers to be hired shall be paid on honorarium basis funded by the Local Government Unit/Local School Board or from other sources. Schools Division Superintendents together with the Regional Directors are encourage to request/appeal for financial support from their mayors/governors.
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