By Mariela Angella Oladive
The Iloilo provincial government, through the Provincial School Board (PSB) led by Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., has allocated PHP6.4 million for the construction of a two-classroom building at Sara Central Elementary School in Sara, Iloilo, to support its Madrasah Education Program (MEP).
The MEP aims to provide Muslim learners with culturally relevant education by integrating Arabic Language and Islamic Values (ALIVE) into the basic education curriculum.
It also seeks to strengthen their religious foundation through Islamic values and Qur’anic recitation.
On March 10, PSB secretary Ma. Freda Sabanal-Fajardo and Provincial Administrator Raul Banias turned over the project’s check to school principal Nancy Batobalani, MEP division coordinator Liza Balogo, Barangay Poblacion Ilawod Punong Barangay Godfrey Sonza, and barangay treasurer Erlita Frias.
Fajardo said the building’s design incorporates Muslim cultural elements, conceptualized by the provincial government’s architect, Ian Peter Lama.
The facility will include a designated space that can serve as a reading nook or prayer room, allowing learners to observe their five daily prayers.
The initiative is part of Gov. Defensor’s education reform program, Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya (BES PROBINS), which promotes inclusive educational support for diverse learning institutions.
“Sara is the only municipality in Iloilo province with an established Madrasah Education Program due to its growing Muslim community. Initially, Muslim traders settled in Sara, and over time, their population grew significantly…We are happy to provide support for our Muslim brothers and sisters in Iloilo,” Fajardo said.
Support for Indigenous Education
In a related move, the provincial government recently released PHP8 million for the construction of a School of Living Traditions (SLT) at Fernandez Perez Memorial High School in Barangay Datagan, Calinog, intended for Indigenous People (IP) learners.
The two-story building will feature an open stage for performances, a gallery for cultural exhibits, and rooms for elders.
Additionally, the structure will serve as an evacuation center capable of sheltering approximately 30 people during calamities.
The province also allocated PHP1.8 million for a similar SLT project at Igtuble Integrated School.
Through these initiatives, the Iloilo provincial government continues to advocate for inclusive and culturally responsive education, ensuring that both Muslim and Indigenous learners receive the necessary support and opportunities.
