ZAMBOANGA CITY(February 17) — In a move seen as a milestone for Islamic education in the province, Basilan has formally launched its first-ever Provincial Madaris Development Council (PMDC), aiming to institutionalize and strengthen Madaris education across all its towns.
Created through Executive Order No. 2026-06, the PMDC seeks to provide a more structured and sustainable framework for Madrasah (Islamic school) education in the province’s 255 barangays.
“Unity starts in the Madrasah,” Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman said during the launch on Sunday. “When this council is fully institutionalized, support for Madrasah will be more sustainable, and the future of Basileño youth will be more assured.”
Hataman stressed that faith formation remains central to character-building among the youth. “When faith is good, and fear of Allah is there, we will be stronger,” he added.
The launch, held at the Lamitan City Gymnasium, gathered more than 3,300 Mudeers (administrators) and students from across the province — a strong show of community backing for Islamic education. Police, military officials, local chief executives, and other stakeholders were also in attendance.
Prof. Alzad Sattar, vice president of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council, described the establishment of the PMDC as a “game changer” for Mudarrisun (male teachers) and Mudarrisat (female teachers).
He said the initiative reflects the Hataman administration’s push to make the Madaris curriculum more relevant and responsive to community needs — blending religious grounding with practical development goals.
Guest of honor Queenie Padilla, Ambassador for Goodwill, paid tribute to the Asatidz (Muslim teachers), calling them the “true heroes” in shaping students with a strong foundation in Deen, the Islamic concept of faith and way of life.
Basilan currently has 370 Madrasah schools — a number that underscores the province’s deep commitment to Islamic learning. To further boost the sector, Hataman announced a uniform subsidy for Madrasah teachers and the start of construction for new Madrasah facilities this year.
Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman also pledged full support for the PMDC, emphasizing that good character and active practice of faith are key to becoming responsible citizens.
By 2026, the provincial government — through “Team Kapitolyo,” in partnership with the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council and other agencies — aims to position Basilan as a model for Madrasah education in the country.
For many educators and community leaders present at the launch, the message was clear: strengthening Madaris education is not just about preserving tradition — it is about investing in values-driven leadership and a stronger future for the next generation of Basileños.
