Islamic teachers in Cotabato receive stipends.

Around 300 Islamic teachers in Cotabato province have recently received a P1,500 cash allowance each from their provincial government. This support, granted from January to March, aims to aid their efforts in promoting religious solidarity among local Muslim and Christian communities.

These teachers are actively involved in programs addressing violent religious extremism promoted by radical groups. This initiative, led by the office of Gov. Emmylou Talino-Mendoza, aligns with ongoing peace processes in Mindanao.

The grant of a P500 monthly stipend to Islamic teachers in Madaris, covering 17 towns and over 40 barangays, including Kidapawan City, will continue under Mendoza’s office, who chairs the Regional Development Council 12.

Employees of the Moro Affairs section personally distributed the three-month allowance to teachers in Moro-dominated areas, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting Islamic education.

Teachers in government-accredited Islamic schools are known for promoting cultural and religious solidarity among diverse communities in Cotabato.

The allocation of monthly cash assistance to Muslim preachers by Mendoza’s office is seen as significant, particularly by non-Muslim leaders like physician Kadil Monera Sinolinding Jr., a member of the Bangsamoro parliament.

Major Gen. Alex Rillera of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division acknowledged the instrumental role of Islamic missionaries in negotiating surrenders of outlawed groups like the Dawla Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the past year.