The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) new project for Maranao children will help provide “essential, culturally-sensitive, and rights-based protective programs and services” for orphaned, abandoned, and neglected children living in “torils.”
This was emphasized by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the local government unit (LGU) of Marawi City, led by Mayor Majul Gandamra, on Tuesday (June 3) for the implementation of the “Project Riayah.”
According to the DSWD chief, Project Riayah aims to deliver a coordinated and comprehensive set of interventions aligned with the agency’s standard cost-of-care framework and the LGU Marawi’s comprehensive, culture-sensitive, rights-based child protection program.
“Through Project Riayah, we can help enhance the living conditions, education, and overall well-being of these children, as this will also aid in their long-term recovery, rehabilitation, and development within a flourishing and productive Islamic society,” the DSWD chief emphasized in his message.
Secretary Gatchalian pointed out that the provision of social protection programs for disadvantaged and vulnerable children residing in torils are necessary to accelerate the recovery efforts in Marawi City.
This was also based on the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to uphold and protect the vulnerable groups in society.
Torils are private non-formal learning institutions that provide Qur’an memorization, Arabic language instruction, and/or education on Islamic values and laws typically within a residential setting.
These institutions are typically run by ulama (Islamic scholars) or asatidh (Islamic teachers) and cater to children and youth—many of whom are orphaned, abandoned, neglected, and from extremely poor backgrounds.
Mayor Gandamra, expressed his support for the partnership stating that the new project is a “timely and vital initiative that addresses the long, overlooked need for the welfare and development of children residing in torils.”
In March 2024, it can be recalled that the DSWD also forged a partnership with the Mindanao State University (MSU)-Marawi for the implementation of Project Riayah because of the academic institution’s expertise on the Muslim community, including the societal and cultural context of the children in torils.
Through the MOA, the DSWD and the Marawi City LGU are expected to work collaboratively to ensure the successful promotion and implementation of Project Riayah and its related activities.
Among the services and interventions to be provided to children in torils are food subsidies and nutrition programs; financial assistance; livelihood and skills training; youth development programs; educational support; personal and hygiene needs; and, psychosocial and counseling support.
Also present to witness the MOA signing at the DSWD Central Office were Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Dimaporo of the agency’s Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs; incoming Marawi City Mayor Shariff Zain Gandamra; and officials from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF). (AKDL)