by Adelfa C. Silor

Dr. Manaros Boransing, the former Vice President of MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology and now  the DepEd  Undersecretary for Mindanao Affairs, attended the Principals’ Forum held at the Amphi-theatre of the College of Education, MSU-IIT last February 21, 2009.

Dr. Manaros Boransing

In his speech, he gave challenges to all ATEP scholars. These challenges  will serve as the inspiration of the ATEP scholars in reaching their goal of success in making themselves successful professionals through   the Accelerated Teacher Education Program (ATEP) which is one of the projects of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for all Muslims in the Philippines.

According to Dr. Boransing,  the ATEP scholars are the hope of solving the conflict in Mindanao among Muslims and Christians, through Peace Education. He added that the ATEP scholars who will become professional teachers  will be the instruments of educating the youth and other Muslim families who have instilled “rido” in their heart. Indeed, he emphasized that the true ISLAMS have followed the the’ Five Pillars’ of Islam which are the foundation of Muslim life namely:

  • Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad;
  • Establishment of the daily prayers;
  • Concern for and almsgiving to the needy;
  • Self-purification through fasting; and
  • The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.

Dr. Boransing reiterated that “rido” is not included in the pillars of Islam. Therefore, this should be abolished in the culture of being a true Islam in order to have peaceful environment. However, he added that some of the Muslims have “rido” because this is one of the bad practices among Muslims. But, this can be resolved through peace education. Thus, the ATEP scholars are the instruments of solving the conflict in the Philippines particularly in Mindanao. This can be done through preaching the good values and the pillars of ISLAM  by means of teaching in the different schools.

Hence, Dr. Manaros Boransing, expressed his millions of  thanks to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for her financial support for the ACCELERATED TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM (ATEP) for the Muslim Education. He also innervated all ATEP scholars to do their best in order to finish their course and pass the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) because items for the teachers who are Asatidz await for them.

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