Philippines, Indonesia to Offer Scholarships for Filipino Muslims

The Philippine and Indonesian governments are set to sign an agreement providing scholarships for Filipino Muslims at an Islamic boarding school in Indonesia, GMA News Online reported.

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) announced that the Madrasah scholarship will enable students to attend Pondok Pesantren Darullughah Wadda’dawah, which includes a cost-of-living allowance.

NCMF Secretary Sabuddin Abdurahim stated that the Directorate General of Islamic Education of Indonesia expressed interest in the initiative. The NCMF is currently preparing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to outline the scholarship details, including application processes and eligibility criteria.

The Philippine Embassy in Jakarta facilitated meetings between officials from both countries earlier this month. In addition to the scholarship program, the two nations are collaborating on Hajj management and developing an MOU to certify halal products, expected to be finalized by March or April 2025. Indonesia’s Muslim population was reported at 87.2% in 2024.