The provincial government of Basilan has allocated P70 million for the construction of madaris buildings across the province’s 11 municipalities and two cities in 2026, announced Governor Mujiv Hataman during the graduation ceremony of Ma’had Al-Uthaimeen Al-Islamie in Tuburan, Basilan. “The strengthening of Islamic education through the madaris system is crucial in the development of our communities and in sustaining peace in Basilan,” he said. The madaris system in Basilan, run by approximately 3,800 Asatidz in nearly 400 madaris, is predominantly privately managed, with 95% of existing madaris operating independently. Governor Hataman also announced the release of a three-month provincial counterpart to the honorarium of Asatidz, amounting to P3,000 per teacher, coinciding with Ramadan. This funding, sourced from the provincial government’s peace and order program, supports efforts against violent extremism. Ustadz Abdulmuhmin Mujahid, a member of the Provincial Madaris Council, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, “We are pleased with the initiative of the provincial government as this will bring us closer to the systemic integration of madaris in the mainstream educational system.” However, he urged the government to closely monitor and supervise the development and growth of madaris centers. The ceremony also celebrated the graduation of 120 students from Ma’had Al-Uthaimeen Al-Islamie.
