Salamat Hashim Boarding Madrasah Act of 2025
Empowering the Bangsamoro Youth: Introducing the Salamat Hashim Boarding Madrasah Act of 2025
Education is the bedrock of moral governance and lasting peace. To realize this vision, BTA Parliament Bill No. 420, officially known as the "Salamat Hashim Boarding Madrasah Act of 2025," has been formally introduced. Principal authored by Members of the Parliament Abdulbasit R. Benito, MPSA, and Atty. Omar Yasser C. Sema, this landmark legislation seeks to establish a premier public educational institution within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
Designed to operate under the Public Madrasah System of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE), this act honors a legacy of leadership by nurturing morally upright, academically competent, and community-rooted youth equipped to champion peacebuilding.
Here is a closer look at the key features of the proposed legislation:
A Holistic, Dual-Curriculum Approach The Salamat Hashim Boarding Madrasah (SHBM) will offer full-time residential education for Grades 7 to 12. It provides a comprehensive framework that strictly complies with the standard K-12 General Education Curriculum while integrating specialized Islamic and Arabic language studies. The institution will serve as a dedicated center for Qur'anic studies, Hadith, Fiqh, Aqidah, Akhlaq, and Islamic leadership formation.
Championing Inclusivity and Respect Reflecting the rich diversity of the region, the SHBM is designed to be deeply inclusive. The madrasah welcomes both Muslim and non-Muslim students who respect its cultural and educational environment. To ensure religious freedom and comfort, non-Muslim learners will be offered Alternative Values Education and will never be compelled to participate in religious rites that contradict their personal beliefs.
Uplifting Underserved Communities The bill guarantees that high-quality education reaches those who need it most. It mandates that at least 60% of admitted students must belong to the top 10 of their class, pass competitive admission tests, and originate from underserved areas.
Comprehensive Student Support and Scholarships To secure the future of its learners, the act creates the Salamat Hashim Scholarship Fund. Administered by the MBHTE, this fund is designed to provide financial assistance to SHBM graduates pursuing further studies or higher education. The comprehensive support can cover tuition, lodging, meals, books, uniforms, and other essential educational needs.
Safe, Resilient, and Gender-Sensitive Infrastructure The physical environment of the SHBM is prioritized to ensure maximum student well-being. The institution must strictly comply with MBHTE standards regarding school safety, disaster resilience, gender-sensitive dormitories, health services, and robust child protection protocols.
By seamlessly weaving culturally grounded, faith-responsive education with rigorous K-12 academic standards, the Salamat Hashim Boarding Madrasah Act of 2025 stands as a testament to the Bangsamoro Government's commitment to inclusive, high-quality education. It is a strategic investment in the region's most valuable resource: its youth.