ISLAMIC EDUCATIONAL POLICIES IN THE PHILIPPINES: ITS EVOLUTION AND CURRENT PROBLEMS

Abstract

Islamic education aims to develop both the intellectual as well as the spiritual aspects of man. However, despite the
considerable number of Bangsamoro (i.e., Muslim Filipinos) in this country, said the system is not observed in the Philippines
since this is a secular nation whose educational system is copied from the West. Being patterned from the European style, our
public-school system gives emphasis only on the human knowledge, while the Islamic (i.e., Madrasah) learning system
concentrates on the divine aspect. Since these two systems of knowledge are taught separately, the present educational system
in the country is not much effective in meeting the needs of the Muslims.In addressing this educational challenge, the Philippine
government has initiated various programs and policies sanctioned by the following laws, such as: (i) the Letter of Instruction
No. 1221 of 31 March 1982; (ii) the Letter of Instruction No. 17-A, (iii) the Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 14, (iv) the
DepED Order No. 51 of 28 August 2004, (v) the DepED Order No. 40 of 19 May 2011, and (vi) the different provisions of the
Peace Agreements between the Bangsamororebels and the Philippine government.However, despite these legal issuances and
programs, still the Islamic education of the Muslims in the Philippines has been hampered by financial, administrative and
structural problems.