BY DEO DAME BEIGE SALIGUMBA
ILOILO – The Provincial School Board (PSB) led by Gov. Arthur Defensor is set to construct the first-ever madrasah in Western Visayas at Sara Central Elementary School in Sara, Iloilo.
This two-classroom facility is specifically for the Madrasah Education Program (MEP), aimed at providing Muslim learners with educational opportunities that align with their cultural heritage, traditions, and values.
A madrasah (or madrasa) is an educational institution that focuses on Islamic education, often including subjects such as the Quran, Islamic law (Sharia), Arabic language, and Islamic history. Depending on the region, madrasahs also teach general subjects like math, science, and social studies.
The new facility at Sara Central Elementary School will integrate Arabic language and Islamic values (ALIVE) into the basic education curriculum, enriching the learning experience for Muslim students.
“We are proud to be the first in Western Visayas to implement the Madrasah Education Program,” said Nancy Batobalani, school principal, noting that the school’s learners, under the guidance of Ustadzha Jalilah Abubacar, have earned multiple awards in national competitions, even surpassing students from traditionally strong Muslim education hubs in Mindanao.
The P6.4-million construction fund will enable the establishment of a dedicated space for MEP, which will include a versatile area for a reading nook and prayer room to accommodate the five daily prayers of Muslim learners.
The check for the project was officially turned over during a flag-raising ceremony on March 10, 2025, by PSB secretary Ma. Freda Sabanal-Fajardo and Provincial Administrator Raul Banias to Batobalani, along with Liza Balogo, Division Coordinator for MEP, and local officials including Punong Barangay Godfrey Sonza and Barangay Treasurer Erlita Frias of Barangay Poblacion Ilawod, Sara.
The Madrasah project is a key part of Governor Defensor’s education reform initiative, Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya (BES PROBINS), which focuses on promoting inclusive education practices across Iloilo.
Additionally, Defensor has allocated Php8 million for the construction of a School of Living Tradition (SLT) at Fernandez Perez Memorial High School in Barangay Datagan, Calinog. This two-storey building will feature an open stage, gallery space, elder-friendly toilets, and the capacity to serve as an evacuation center for up to 30 people.
Another P1.8 million has been released for the development of the SLT at Igtuble Integrated School./PN
