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 Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian during the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the local government unit (LGU) of Marawi, led by its mayor, Majul Gandamra, for the implementation of the “Project Riayah.”
Torils are private non-formal learning institutions that provide Quran 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.
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 Marawi LGU’s 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,” Gatchalian emphasized in his message.
He pointed out that the provision of social protection programs for disadvantaged and vulnerable children residing in the torils is necessary to accelerate the recovery efforts in Marawi City.
This was also based on the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to uphold and protect the vulnerable groups in society.
Meanwhile, Gandamra expressed support for the partnership, calling the new project a “timely and vital initiative that addresses the long, overlooked need for the welfare and development of children residing in torils.”
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.
