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Gatchalian pushes teaching of Arabic language in schools

December 18, 2022 PS Jun M. Sarmiento 229 views

WITH the global celebration of the World Arabic Language Day yesterday, December 18, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing 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).

Earlier this year, Gatchalian filed Senate Bill No. 382 or the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education 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 proposed 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 proposed measure 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 proposed measure, 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.Further, It seeks the provision of technical and financial educational assistance to DepEd-accredited or recognized madaris, which are privately-operated, community-based educational institutions whose core emphasis are Islamic studies and Arabic literacy. The medium of instruction in madaris is the Arabic language.

“Bilang pagkilala sa kultura at mga kontribusyon ng ating mga kababayan at mga mag-aaral na Muslim, isinusulong natin ang mas pinaigting na mga programa sa ilalim ng Arabic Language and Values Education. Bahagi rin ito ng ating pagsisikap upang matiyak na pagdating sa dekalidad na edukasyon, hindi mapag-iiwanan ang ating mga mag-aaral na Muslim,” said Gatchalian.

Aside from public schools and private madaris in the country outside of BARMM, the proposed measure also covers learners enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS).