A bill that would establish the country’s first higher Islamic institution in the Philippines has been filed before the Parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Bangsamoro Transition Authority Bill No. 31 will provide a “unique opportunity for Muslim Filipinos to immerse themselves in Islamic and Arabic studies.”
The bill aims to establish a Kuliyyah Institution in Buluan, Maguindanao del Sur that will offer Islamic and Arabic Studies courses for both baccalaureate and postgraduate levels.
The Institute, as a higher education institution, will be directly supervised by the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education, which also has regulatory authority over the profession, the measure said.
Under the bill, the institution is envisioned to become a hub of knowledge and learning, catering to individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of Islamic principles, history, and culture.
Member of the Parliament and Minister of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education Mohagher Iqbal said it is ready to “embark on a historic initiative” once the bill is approved.
Iqbal said having the Islamic studies institution will develop a sense of identity and pride among Muslim Filipinos.
Public consultations were earlier held in Davao City and Quezon City gathering heads, experts, and representatives from various national government agencies, academic institutions, madaris, and civil society organizations for their inputs on the bill.
The resource persons recommended that the bill’s provisions be enhanced to establish the institution “as a university rather than an ordinary institution” to elevate its status and academic offerings.
Deliberations on the bill will begin next week.—Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News
