DBM releases P251.6M for DepEd program

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management has released P251.6 million to implement the Department of Education’s Madrasah Education program.

The program aims to enhance the educational development of Filipino Muslims.

Under the program, there are three components: Arabic language and Islamic values education in public schools; for out-of-school-youths; and to private madaris.

The classes are being carried out in 893 public elementary schools nationwide.

Of the fund release to DepEd, P173.25 million will go to the DepEd Office of the Secretary Proper while P78.350 million will be released directly to the different schools division offices to cover the allowances of Muslim teachers.

These teachers have been trained under the program as part of efforts to improve Madrasah education in the country.

A total of 1,567 Asatidz passed the training in school year 2010 to 2011 and were deployed with a monthly allowance of P5,000.

Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad said in a statement that the fund release is aligned with the commitment of President Aquino to uplift the standard of education of Filipinos in order for the country to move forward.

“Education is the central strategy of the Aquino administration for investing in the people and enhancing their opportunity to gain meaningful employment. At the same time, we need to mainstream and institutionalize Madrasah Education as part of the national system of basic education to promote lasting peace,” Abad said.

Abad noted that there is a P48.4-million difference from the original fund request of DepEd of P300 million.

However, Abad said that the DBM is releasing the fund request based on actual requirements of the agency for its filled positions. –Iris C. Gonzales (The Philippine Star)