Arabic language, Islamic values institutionalization pushed

MANILA, Philippines — As the world observed World Arabic Language Day yesterday, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian pushed for the institutionalization of the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) in all public and private basic education schools outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Gatchalian earlier filed Senate Bill 382 or the ALIVE Act to provide Muslim Filipino learners the appropriate and relevant educational opportunities while recognizing their culture, which includes the teaching of Arabic language and Islamic values.

The measure will also ensure the contribution of Muslim Filipinos to national goals and aspirations aimed at making them partners in nation-building.

According to Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate committee on basic education, the bill aligns with the objective of fostering inclusive education to address and respond to learners’ diversity of needs, and ensure full participation, presence, and achievement in learning cultures and communities.

Under the bill, the subjects of Arabic language or Islamic values education, or both, shall be taught to Muslim and non-Muslim Filipino learners.

The bill also seeks the provision of relevant textbooks and instructional materials, as well as training or capacity-building of asatidz or teachers in most Muslim Filipino communities.

It also seeks the provision of technical and financial educational assistance to Department of Education-accredited or recognized madaris, which are privately operated.