The Provincial Government of Basilan, under the leadership of Governor Mujiv Hataman, together with the Basilan Ulama Council, formally launched the Provincial Madaris Development Council (PMDC), February 15, at the Lamitan City Gymnasium, marking a historic milestone in strengthening and institutionalizing Islamic education across the province.
A total of 3,327 stakeholders, mostly mudeers, assatidz, and education partners from Basilan’s cities and municipalities, gathered for the landmark event—reflecting broad-based unity and commitment toward uplifting madaris education.
In his keynote message, Governor Mujiv Hataman emphasized that the PMDC aims to unite all madaris in Basilan under a common direction, with harmonized standards, stronger governance, and sustainable institutional support.
“Unity starts in the madrasa,” Governor Hataman said, stressing that once the council is fully institutionalized, assistance to madaris will become more sustainable and the future of Basileño children more secure. Governor Hataman led the ceremonial signing of the Executive Order establishing the PMDC under the Office of the Provincial Governor.
The Executive Order—EO No. 3026-06—was presented by Atty. Nur-Aiza S. Gagarra, who clarified that the council was created under the General Welfare Clause and executive powers of the governor to ensure inclusive and coordinated development of Islamic education.
The governor also announced concrete support for Islamic teachers, including the provision of uniform subsidies, the construction of madaris facilities starting this year, and a long-term goal to make Basilan a national model for madaris institutions by 2026, in partnership with the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council and other agencies.
Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman personally graced the event and expressed the full support of the Isabela City Government. In her message, she emphasized that Islamic education is not only about knowledge but also about character formation. “Ang pagiging mabuting Muslim ay nagsisimula sa magandang karakter,” Mayor Turabin-Hataman said, adding that the Muslim community, grounded in faith and knowledge, can serve as a model of leadership and moral guidance. “We are the best people sent to this world if we truly live our faith.”
Also present was Ms. Queenie Padilla, Ambassador of Goodwill and guest of honor, who paid tribute to the assatidz and madaris teachers. “Kayo ang tunay na bayani,” Padilla empahasized, stressing that Islamic education is a form of holistic formation—shaping generations firmly grounded in deen and strengthening unity within communities.
Providing the rationale for the PMDC, Ust. Alzad Sattar described the council as a “game changer” for mudarrisun and mudarrisat, emphasizing the need for a unified framework that will make madaris curriculum more relevant to community needs.
In his opening remarks, Ust. Abdulmuhmin Mujahid acknowledged the long-standing struggles in establishing madaris in Basilan, noting that out of the province’s 255 barangays, there are now 370 madaris—a testament to the strong determination of Muslim communities to provide Islamic learning for their children.
Meanwhile, Dr. Aboulkhair Tarason, chair of the Basilan Ulama Supreme Council, shared that the establishment of the PMDC is the result of years of collective effort, tracing its roots back to the Madaris Summit in 2015, during Hataman’s term as ARMM regional governor.
Messages of support were likewise delivered by PCOL Cerrazid Umabong, Provincial Director of the PNP Basilan Police Provincial Office, and BGEN Frederick Sales, Commander of the 110th Infantry Brigade, PA, highlighting the shared responsibility of education, peace, and development.
Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay, represented by Executive Assistant Joey Leonardo, welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed the city government’s support for programs close to the hearts of Lamiteños.
The program opened with a Qur’an recitation led by Dr. Jul-Asrie Samir and concluded with closing remarks and Du’a by Ust. Munit Muluk, Deputy Mufti of Darul Iftar Basilan, who expressed confidence that Basilan will emerge as a national benchmark in madaris education.
The establishment of the Provincial Madaris Development Council reflects the Provincial Government of Basilan’s firm commitment to inclusive governance, cultural sensitivity, and quality Islamic education—recognized as vital pillars of peace, unity, and sustainable development. (Words by KJ Lim/Photos by KY Sencio, IsaTV)
