MALAYA: 9 Brunei scholars to teach in Madrasah program

By ANTHONY IAN CRUZ
Malaya
January 12, 2008

MINDANAO’s Madrasah Program will get additional teachers after nine Filipinos recently obtained their Certificates in Teaching Arabic as a Second Language at the Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

In a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Virginia Benavidez identified the nine new madrasah teachers as Lomala L. Macadaub, Aga-Khan D. Abubacar, Alivic B. Bilon, Alhasin G. Muhajil, Zaidali A. Maguindara, Abdulmiad A. Adjiruddin, Moctar D. Bato, Lucman L. Manupac, and Rahmatol M. Mamukid.

Benavidez said the nine were all full scholars of the Sultanate of Brunei.

Benavidez said the Filipino scholars received their certificates last Jan. 5 from university vice chancellor Dr. Haji Junaidi Rahman in ceremonies held at the UBD Chancellor’s Hall. She said the nine formally finished their studies in December 2007.

Benavidez said UBD officials expressed elation that the new graduates were committed to going back to Mindanao and immediately serving the Muslim population there through the Madrasah Program.

Launched in 2004, the Madrasah Program has resulted in the inclusion of Islamic values and Arabic language in the public school curriculum, especially in Mindanao.

“There is much to gain from Brunei’s successful experience in integrating Islamic teachings with the standard curriculum. Brunei’s moderate Islamic teachings stand as a distinctive model for religious instruction for the benefit of our Muslim countrymen back home,” said Benavidez.

She said that “we are fortunate to have a new group of graduates who will be able to infuse new knowledge and experience into ongoing efforts at implementing and improving our Madrasah Program.”