The Department of Education endorses the Tahderiyyah Curriculum in Islamic community schools operated by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), giving Muslim preschool children equal access to quality kindergarten education.

The Tahderiyyah curriculum was developed for five-year old Muslim pupils in schools under the BDA. The standards and competencies of the curriculum are aligned with the kindergarten curriculum implemented in all public schools nationwide.

It was developed through the collaborative effort of BDA, Community of Learners Foundation, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the DepEd, observing the curriculum development process.

“We recommend the Tahderiyya curriculum because it is aligned with the policy of the State to make education learner-oriented and responsive to the learning needs, culture, circumstances and diversity of the learners and the community,” said Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC.

The Tahderiyyah curriculum also compliments the Madrasah Kindergarten curriculum which implements the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) program in government assisted private madaris (Muslim schools).

Luistro added that the implementation of the Tahderiyyah curriculum is part of the government’s commitment to make quality education accessible to all learners in consonance with the Millennium Development Goals on achieving Education for All.

The Philippine government has recently inked a peace pact with the Moro International Liberation Front which is expected to usher peace in Muslim Mindanao. Education is one of the key areas being given attention by the government, the private sector and international donor communities to ensure lasting peace in the region.