COTABATO CITY ― In an effort to alleviate the challenges faced by Madaris in the region, Bangsamoro lawmakers have filed a measure that prioritizes students, teachers, and other beneficiaries for educational assistance.
Members of the Parliament Engr. Baintan Ampatuan and Atty. Rasol Mitmug’s Parliament Bill No. 167, or the Madaris Education Assistance Act of 2023, outlines various forms of assistance that may be extended to the said beneficiaries.
The principal authors of the bill recognize the plight of those in the Madaris, as the national government currently only recognizes non-Madrasah educational institutions as primary beneficiaries of educational funding.
The bill aims to address the pressing needs of students and teachers in the Madaris, providing them with much-needed support to enhance their educational experience and promote the development of the Madrasah system.
The Madaris largely rely on donations, which have gradually depleted, leading to unpaid salaries for teachers.
If PB No. 167 becomes law, students will receive an annual cash assistance of P1,000 for tuition fees, reading materials, and nutrition and feeding programs for children.
Teachers will be provided with a monthly allowance of P2,000 and access to a faculty education program. The program will include scholarships for master’s or doctorate degrees both within and outside the country, as well as seminars and training opportunities.
The Madaris will also receive classroom facilities such as desks, tables, chalkboards, textbooks, and other necessary resources.
Priority for the educational assistance will be given to students whose families have an annual income of P40,000. The assistance is limited to Muslim students residing within the Bangsamoro region who are not currently recipients of any government scholarships or financial aid.
Students who are not enrolled in a madrasah or have transferred to a madrasah outside the region will not be eligible for this educational assistance.
“The Bangsamoro Government has a pivotal role in strengthening and developing the Madaris Educational System. As of today, the Bangsamoro Parliament continues to introduce new measures and legislation to attempt to alleviate Madrasahs,” according to the authors of the bill.
PB No. 167 is co-authored by MPs Amilbahar Mawallil, Atty. Laisa Alamia, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, Don Mustapha Loong, and Rasul Ismael. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)