DAVAO DE ORO SUSTAINS AMEd THRU CASH ASSISTANCE TO ASATIDZ AND ULAMA

A total of ₱522,000.00 in honorariums was released yesterday, January 14, 2025, to 79 Asatidz (Para-Teachers) and six Ulama Supervisors under the Assistance to Madrasah Education (AMEd) program of the Muslim Community Development Program (MCDP). The ceremonial distribution took place at the Children’s Park, Capitol Grounds, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro. This financial assistance is part of the sustained ₱3,132,000.00 allocation for AMEd, a flagship initiative under the leadership of Governor Dorothy M. Gonzaga, aimed at empowering Muslim educators and enhancing Madrasah education across the province.

Beyond the honorariums, an additional ₱200,000.00 was allocated for the successful conduct of the 14th Provincial Inter-Madrasah Musabaqah (Quiz Bee & Sportsfest) held on November 27-30, 2024, at Mabini Central Elementary School. The event brought together 28 Madaris (schools), showcasing the talents of Muslim learners in academic and sports competitions.

Meanwhile, another 52 Asatidz assigned to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) program also received their honorariums, completing the ₱1,200,000.00 fund sourced from the Special Education Fund (SEF) under the province’s Non-Infrastructure Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs).

The event was graced by Board Member Ruwina Gonzaga, who delivered an inspiring message highlighting the provincial government’s commitment to the Muslim sector. She also announced the provision of educational supplies for the continued operation of Madrasah education programs in 2025

Ms. Nohara R. Ocusan-Pinute, DepEd’s Education Program Supervisor for EsP/ALIVE Madrasah Education, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support extended to Muslim educators and learners. Around 1,800 Muslim students benefit from the Madrasah education system, which ensures that they have access to quality learning opportunities rooted in their cultural and religious values.

The Asatidz and Ulama expressed heartfelt appreciation for the government’s continuous support, which empowers them to deliver meaningful education and instill Islamic values in the younger generation.

(Harold Postrero, Photos by Albert Dayao of PIO)