DSWD, MSU partnership to benefit Muslim kids in Marawi torils

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social and Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Wednesday that it has partnered with Mindanao State University (MSU) for a project to help orphans and children who are in torils in Marawi City.

A toril is a stay-in school for Muslim children that educates them in the lessons of the Qu’ran, the Arabic language, and Islamic religious values.

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“There is a segment of poor, marginalized, and vulnerable who are too far, too remote, too unfamiliar, or too intimidated with the rules of government that they do not dare to come to us,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said at the signing of a memorandum of agreement on Tuesday.

According to the DSWD, the project named Riayah plans to improve the quality of life and education of the children and orphans living in torils who were affected by the 2017 Marawi Siege.

“The Department alone cannot do it by itself, so that’s why we are working with the Mindanao State University…so that our social protection programs will be tailored fit to the needs of our toril students,” Gatchalian added.

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Meanwhile, MSU System President Basari D. Mapupuno said the program will build a better future by starting with the underprivileged children in the torils.

“This initiative, born from genuine concern for the underprivileged children in Toril institution, is critical in building a brighter tomorrow for those who represent the last, least, and lost,” Atty. Mapupuno said.