Aireen Jaymalin of bicol.ph / Patricio P. Diaz Fellow
August 25, 2025 - 1:04 amTABACO CITY — In a world where diversity can often divide, Muslims in the Bicol Region have long sought solace and belonging. While they, too, have experienced discrimination especially in earlier years, many now say such biases have diminished over time. Today, they are finding growing acceptance and community, with locals showing respect for their faith and traditions.
Muslims in the Philippines, especially those in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, have a distinct culture that sets them apart from the predominantly Christian communities in Luzon and the Visayas. Their customs and traditions often appear unfamiliar — even alien — to other Filipinos. “The people here are very respectful and inclusive. They don’t discriminate, and your faith is a non-issue. This attitude of acceptance is what makes our community so peaceful,” he shared, a hint of a smile on his lips.
He noted that observing Ramadan in Bicol is more challenging than in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao , where businesses often close during fasting hours in observance of the holy month. They also actively contribute to community efforts. “In fact, we were mentors for barangay disaster response many years ago. We trained ten people to assist during typhoons, ensuring a Muslim representative was part of the rescue team,” Hassan said.
Young Muslim students learn Arabic and Islamic values, among others, at the in Ibalon Elementary School in Legazpi City. Photo by AIREEN JAMAYLIN Last year, 39 schools in the region implemented the program, enrolling 1,190 Muslim students. “Not all schools have the capacity to implement Madrasah Education,” she noted.
Now a teacher at Ibalon Central School, where she also studied, Mina became a madrasa instructor after her mentor stepped down. Encouraged by her principal, she took and passed the teaching board exam on her first try. She was the first in the region’s madrasah system to gain a permanent teaching post, followed by two more instructors. “Most of our colleagues still work under annual contracts,” she noted.
She also teaches in regular classes, wearing her hijab as a visible symbol of diversity. Students, she said, are generally accepting and respectful. “I tell them not to be ashamed. What they see on the news isn’t the full truth,” said Estada Tata Guendo Sarip, another ALIVE teacher who has lived in Legazpi for 20 years. She credited the program for shifting public perception and raising awareness of their culture.
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