MADARIS EDUCATION. Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman addresses thousands of Madrasah administrators and students during the launch of the first Provincial Madaris Development Council (PMDC) in Lamitan City on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. The PMDC was established by a provincial government order to strengthen and institutionalize Madaris education throughout the province. (Photo courtesy of Basilan PIO)
ZAMBOANGA CITY – Basilan launched on Sunday the first Provincial Madaris Development Council (PMDC) to further strengthen the foundation of Madaris (Islamic schools) education in the province.
The council was established by Executive Order No. 2026-06 of the provincial government to institutionalize Madaris education throughout the province.
“When this council is fully institutionalized, support for Madrasah (Islamic school) will be more sustainable, and the future of Basileño youth will be more assured. Unity starts in the Madrasah,” Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman said in a statement Monday.
“When faith is good, and fear of Allah is there, we will be stronger,” Hataman added.
Prof. Alzad Sattar, vice president of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council, called the establishment of the PMDC for the Mudarrisun (male teachers) and Mudarrisat (female teachers) a “game changer.”
Sattar said this is a priority for Hataman’s administration to make the curriculum more relevant and meaningful to the community’s needs.
In her message, Queenie Padilla, the guest of honor and Ambassador for Goodwill, recognized the sacrifice of the Asatidz (Muslim teachers).
“You are the true heroes,” Padilla said, emphasizing the goal of graduating students with a strong foundation in Deen (Arabic term for religion).
There are 370 Madrasah schools across the 255 barangays in Basilan, underscoring the community’s strong commitment to strengthening Islamic learning among the youth.
Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman extended her full support to the establishment of the PMDC, emphasizing the importance of good character as the foundation of being a good Muslim.
She emphasized that practicing faith is the key to being a good citizen.
Meanwhile, the governor announced the provision of a uniform subsidy for Madrasah teachers and that construction of Madrasah facilities will also begin this year.
“By 2026, Team Kapitolyo, in partnership with the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council and other agencies, aims to make Basilan a model Madrasah institution,” he said.
Sunday’s launch of the PMDC was held at the Lamitan City Gymnasium and attended by over 3,327 Mudeers (Arabic term for administrators) and students from various towns in the province.
It was also supported by police, military, city and municipal officials, other partners, agencies, and stakeholders. (PNA)