MINDANAO’s Madrasah Program will get additional teachers
after nine Filipinos recently obtained their Certificates in Teaching Arabic as
a Second Language at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).
In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador
Virginia Benavidez identified the nine new madrasah teachers as Lomala L.
Macadaub, Aga-Khan D. Abubacar, Alivic B. Bilon, Alhasin G. Muhajil, Zaidali A.
Maguindara, Abdulmiad A. Adjiruddin, Moctar D. Bato, Lucman L. Manupac, and
Rahmatol M. Mamukid.
Benavidez said the nine were all full scholars of the
Sultanate of Brunei.
Benavidez said the Filipino scholars received their
certificates last Jan. 5 from university vice chancellor Dr. Haji Junaidi Rahman
in ceremonies held at the UBD Chancellor’s Hall. She said the nine formally
finished their studies in December 2007.
Benavidez said UBD officials expressed elation that the new
graduates were committed to going back to Mindanao and immediately serving the
Muslim population there through the Madrasah Program.
Launched in 2004, the Madrasah Program has resulted in the
inclusion of Islamic values and Arabic language in the public school curriculum,
especially in Mindanao.
"There is much to gain from Brunei’s successful experience in
integrating Islamic teachings with the standard curriculum. Brunei’s moderate
Islamic teachings stand as a distinctive model for religious instruction for the
benefit of our Muslim countrymen back home," said Benavidez.
She said that "we are fortunate to have a new group of graduates who will be
able to infuse new knowledge and experience into ongoing efforts at implementing
and improving our Madrasah Program." – Anthony Ian Cruz
