ZAMBOANGA CITY, Feb. 16 -- Basilan launched on Sunday the first Provincial Madaris Development Council (PMDC) to further strengthen the foundation of Madaris (Islamic schools) education in the province.

The council was established by Executive Order No. 2026-06 of the provincial government to institutionalize Madaris education throughout the province.

"When this council is fully institutionalized, support for Madrasah (Islamic school) will be more sustainable, and the future of Basileno youth will be more assured. Unity starts in the Madrasah," Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman said in a statement Monday.

"When faith is good, and fear of Allah is there, we will be stronger," Hataman added.

Prof. Alzad Sattar, vice president of the Basila...