Ateneo de Manila, Ateneo de Davao hold virtual MOA signing to create the Madaris Teachers Scholarship Program

On Friday, 2 June 2023, Ateneo de Manila University and Ateneo de Davao University signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to formally create the Madaris Teachers Scholarship Program, which aims to “provide organic teachers and Asatidz (Muslim teachers) with the opportunity to pursue graduate and undergraduate programs in education.”

The program was conceived as a result of successful collaborations between the Madaris Volunteer Program, an organization that aims to “improve the quality of education in the Bangsamoro areas of the Philippines,” and Ateneo de Manila University’s Gokongwei Brothers School of Education and Learning Design (GBSEALD), facilitated by Ateneo Teacher Center and Ateneo SALT Institute. These collaborations focused primarily on empowering madaris stakeholders, particularly the dedicated teachers and Asatidz.

“It is a great pleasure for me to represent the Ateneo de Davao University in this signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between Ateneo de Davao and the Ateneo de Manila University, through which the Madaris Teachers Scholarship Program is established,” said Fr Joel Tabora SJ, University President of Ateneo de Davao.

“The program promises to strengthen the skills of teachers and Asatidz of the madaris, which the Madaris Volunteer Program (MVP) works with throughout Mindanao by providing valuable access to undergraduate and graduate studies in theoretical and practical education,” he added. “The intervention thereby strengthens the MVP as a powerful example of intercultural and interreligious dialogue on the ground.”

Fr Roberto Yap SJ, University President of Ateneo de Manila, said: “Today is a memorable occasion for two Ateneos. We may be separated by 1,400 kilometers but we are united in our commitment to form persons for and with others. Rooted and grounded in our Jesuit mission and identity, we seek students who will build a better Philippines for all Filipinos and will be agents for positive change amidst a world that is constantly evolving.”

“I am heartened to see the creation of the Madaris Teachers Scholarship Program,” Fr Yap continued. “Our society is changing and the needs of our citizens have become complex. Still, one thing remains constant: the role of education in achieving sustainable development. 

“In nurturing our teachers, we aim to inspire them, fill them with confidence, and empower them to become compassionate citizens committed to lifelong learning and community development.”

The MOA signing was also graced by Mr Romulo Vinci Bueza, lead coordinator of the Madaris Volunteer Program, and Ms Ma Rita Atienza, Director of the Ateneo Teacher Center.

Ateneo de Manila, through GBSEALD’s Vicente Tiu Lim Teacher Education Endowment Fund, will provide financial support for qualified Asatidz and organic teachers/administrators to pursue their studies at any Ateneo school in Mindanao. Ateneo de Davao and the Madaris Volunteer Program will be responsible for the implementation of the program, which includes the application process, monitoring, and management of scholars.

The program will commence in School Year 2023–2024. A maximum of two individuals will be granted scholarships each year, covering both graduate and undergraduate Education programs.