Dr. Sally Habana-Hafner, Visiting Fulbright Scholar

I believe in transforming myself in every project I am engaged in. And Participatory Action Research (PAR)
is the most effective research methodology in the process of transformation. I choose research studies
that would transform me to be a better person and, in turn, facilitate effective change towards a just and
democratic society. This particular research study is, perhaps, the most rewarding professional and academic work that I have ever done. 

The topic of my research study is both timely and essential.  For despite its proximity and affinity in Muslim Mindanao, Madrasah Education is, evidently, the least understood educational system in the Philippines. There are many historical and geopolitical reasons for that, but it is not my intention to delve into them. Rather, I would like to highlight my insights and learnings from my experience on studying the madrasah education system through the perspectives of 28 madrasah teachers and administrators who participated in the research.

First and foremost, I learned from the 28 alumni of the Philippine Madrasah Program (PMP) and their sentiments about the Madrasah system. They believe that the Madrasah is essential to the survival of Islam and the preservation of the Muslim culture.  They consider it an institution equally as important as the mosque within their community. Without these two institutions, they firmly believe that their younger generation, vulnerable to external influence from the West, will not embrace Islam as their religion and practice the Muslim way of life. I was amazed at the extent to which their passion and determination to sustain their madrasah against all odds made them more adaptable and resilient to changing times. Now, I have even greater admiration and respect for my fellow Muslim educators.

As the result of my research, I gained a deeper understanding and broader knowledge of the Muslim culture and community as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the Madrasah system in the Muslim Mindanao. Understanding Islam, in some ways, is essential in our efforts to develop a more peaceful and democratic world. The emphasis Islam places on the most fundamental values of equality, freedom, and justice holds a high esteem to make a democratic and pluralist society. I learned that cultural and
religious diversity in beliefs, customs, and practices divides the Muslim community although this is no different from any other community. Majority of them are more moderate in their religious practice and political stance. However, the Traditionalists and the Progressives are the ones that influence the politics of the day.

What alarmed me the most during my stay here was how prevalent the myths and misconceptions are about Islam and the Muslims among the general population, majority of whom are Christians. Some of these misconceptions are included in statements like “Islam encourages terrorism, thereby, Madrasah harbors radical Muslims”; or, “Islam is intolerant of other religion, therefore, Christians are not welcome into their community and institution”.

Statements like these are harmful and perpetuate stereotypes. Unless we change our worldview about Muslims and Islam, we will never achieve peace in Muslim Mindanao. To cite one example why and how we must change: our graduate students who participated in the research project are Christian teachers who teach Muslim and Christian pupils in public schools. In some cases, majority of their pupils are Muslim. Because of their engagement with the project and the Muslim community, they are now more sensitive to their own attitudes, misconceptions, and stereotypes about their Muslim pupils and they have a better understanding of their Islamic values and education. This is only a first step towards transforming themselves into “Educators for Peace and Action”.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge those responsible for my successful months as a Fulbright Scholar.  The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) as a host institution is superb! The faculty and staff have been very accommodating and helpful in every way possible. I convey my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to my colleagues, Dr. Samson Molao and Dr. Alimen Sencil. They are my kindred spirit in every aspect of the research process. Teaching Filipino graduate students was a new and enriching experience for me. I have great admiration for these working public school  teachers/administrators who are pursuing their doctoral degree in education. No words are enough to thank our PMP/MAP alumni and Madrasah educators, who welcomed, hosted, ate, talked, laughed, and worked with us during the five months of research.

Without them, I would not have applied for a Fulbright grant, thereby, missing the opportunity to discover the Muslim Mindanao that I now know. Most importantly, I would not have the privilege to
strengthen relationships with my Muslim friends and colleagues.