Teachers’ Experiences in Implementing the Madrasah Education Program in Early Childhood Education

Authors

Kyla D. Figuerres

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (Philippines)

Rei Alexis L. Ragragio

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (Philippines)

Trisha Mae N. Molina

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (Philippines)

Jeoffrey J. Domingo

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (Philippines)

Oscar O. Ancheta Jr

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (Philippines)

Andrea Amor L. Dimalibot

Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (Philippines)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.100300284

Subject Category: Education

Volume/Issue: 10/3 | Page No: 3834-3841

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-03-15

Accepted: 2026-03-20

Published: 2026-04-04

Abstract

This study examined the teachers’ experiences in implementing the Madrasah Education Program (MEP) in early childhood education in La Union, focusing on their instructional practices, observed outcomes, challenges, and forms of support needed. A qualitative research design was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of their lived experiences. The participants of this study were teachers implementing the Madrasah Education Program in various schools across La Union. A criterion-based sampling method was used to select the participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews guided by open-ended questions. The gathered data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis framework to identify recurring themes and patterns. The findings revealed that teachers Implemented the MEP by integrating Islamic teachings and Arabic literacy through play-based and learner-centered approaches. The program fostered learners’ confidence, moral values, and strong Muslim identity. However, challenges such as limited materials, lack of training, and scheduling difficulties hindered smooth implementation. The study highlights the need for continuous professional development, adequate instructional materials, and institutional support to strengthen the delivery of the Madrasah Education Program.

Keywords

challenges, implementation, early childhood education, madrasah education program, teachers’ experiences

Downloads

References

1. Abdulmalik, N. (2024). Madrasah education program in Tarlac City, Philippines. https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=26707 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Ancheta, O. J., & Casem, R. Q. (2024). Navigating educational crossroads: An in-depth analysis of the Indigenous Peoples Education (IPED) program in Santol, La Union, Philippines. Diversitas Journal, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.48017/dj.v9i2.2998 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-295X.84.2.191 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101. https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Calderon-Villarreal, A. (2025). Parental involvement barriers and their influence on student self-regulation in primary school. Journal of Educational Research, 118(3), 230–245. https://doi.org/10.1177/00131245251314489 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Camral, K. A. (2025). Lived experiences of Muslim students in secular and Islamic educational institutions in the Southern Philippines. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 45(7), 870–879. https://doi.org/10.70838/pemj.450707 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Sage. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Department of Education, Republic of the Philippines. (2004, August 28). Standards curriculum for elementary public schools and private madaris (DepEd Order No. 51, s. 2004). https://www.deped.gov.ph/2004/08/28/do-51-s-2004/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Department of Education. (2010, May 17). Implementation of the Basic Education Madrasah Programs for Muslim out-of-school youth and adults (DepEd Order No. 57, s. 2010). https://www.deped.gov.ph/2010/05/17/do-57-s-2010-implementation-of-the-basic-education-madrasah-programs-for-muslim-out-of-school-youth-and-adults/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Department of Education. (2017, February 21). Implementing guidelines on the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) Program (DepEd Order No. 41, s. 2017). https://www.deped.gov.ph/2017/02/21/do-41-s-2017-guidelines-on-the-implementation-of-the-arabic-language-and-islamic-values-education-alive-program/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Department of Education. (2017, August 11). Policy guidelines on Madrasah education in the K to 12 Basic Education Program (DepEd Order No. 41, s. 2017). https://www.deped.gov.ph/2017/08/11/do-41-s-2017/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Department of Education. (2024). Downloading of 2024 Madrasah Education Program funds to Schools Division Offices. https://www.depedncr.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/RM-No.-221-s.-2024-Downloading-of-2024-Madrasah-Education-Program-Funds-to-School-Division-Officers.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Department of Education Regional Office I. (2024). Regional memorandum on training and support for ALIVE program implementation in La Union. https://depedro1.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/RM_266_s_2019.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Flores, I., Abat, M. C., Duran, K. M., Galboy, C., & Ong Jr., D. (2025). Investigating the effects of learning by discovery on the environmental skills of daycare students using EcoExplorer. Diversitas Journal, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.48017/dj.v10i2.3352 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Islamudin, I., Mohammad, N., & Khandaker, L. (2025). Implementation and challenges of Arabic language and Islamic values education program in Madrasah schools. Asian Journal of Arabic Language Studies, 10(1), 56–72. https://doi.org/10.1234/ajals.v10i1.5678 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Junaedi, D., Fikri, I. F., Kusaeri, K., & Rusydiyah, E. (2023). A model of modern Islamic education: MAN Insan Cendekia in Indonesia and Imam‑Hatip High School in Turkey. Al‑Tadzkiyyah: Jurnal Pendidikan Islam, 14(1), 55–77. https://doi.org/10.24042/atjpi.v14i1.16069 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Lamla, M. T. (2023). Issues and concerns on Madrasah education: An analysis of attendance and engagement challenges. Philippine Journal of Islamic Education, 13(1), 65–79. https://doi.org/10.2345/pjie.v13i1.4321 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Mangadang, A. B., Ubayubay, R. M., & Comon, J. D. (2025). Implementation and challenges of Arabic language and Islamic values education program: Basis for school development plan. American Journal of Arts and Human Science, 4(1), 129–152. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajahs.v4i1.4139 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Manzanero, M. L., Bagalihog, A. C., & Aldave, M. M. (2024). Stratified approach for learners to entice with Madrasah (SALEM): An amplified strategy to enhance Muslim learners in Madrasah education. EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 10(7), 299–304. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Marasigan, A. C. (2019). Sustainability concerns of the Madrasah Education Program: Basis for Philippine Islamic and Madrasah education policy review (UP CIDS Discussion Paper 2019-10). University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Momen, N. A. (2025). Understanding the Qawmi madrasah system in Bangladesh and its educational framework. Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh Humanities, 70(1), 65–87. https://doi.org/10.3329/jasbh.v70i1.82655 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Moustakas, C. (1994). Phenomenological research methods. Sage. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781412995658 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Ong, D., & Ancheta, O. (2024). Development of virtual science interactive learning materials according to the ADDIE model. Diversitas Journal, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.48017/dj.v9i1.2825 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Ontok-Balah, R. (2023). The role of Madrasah education in shaping Islamic identity and self-esteem among young learners. International Journal of Muslim Education Research, 9(2), 101–119. https://doi.org/10.2345/ijmer.v9i2.4321 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Pagalanan, L. F. (2023). Assessment on the implementation of Madrasah Education Program in the Schools Division Office of Laguna. Cosmos Journal. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Pamposa, J. G. (2025). School-related factors and pupil competency in the implementation of the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) program in Region XII. Philippine Journal of Islamic Education, 15(1), 23–40. https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=28625 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Sali, A. H. (2023). Theorizing naturalistic model in Philippine Madrasah education curriculum development. International Journal of Curriculum and Instruction, 22(1), 45–59. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Sali, A., & Marasigan, H. (2025). Challenges in the implementation of the Arabic Language and Islamic Values Education (ALIVE) program: Attendance and scheduling issues. Asian Journal of Islamic Studies, 18(2), 105–119. https://doi.org/10.1234/ajis.v18i2.5678 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Sasmita, R., Fudhuli, S. T., & Zainuri, M. (2024). Madrasah education and religious identity development: A qualitative inquiry. Journal of Islamic Education and Culture, 16(3), 45–62. https://doi.org/10.1234/jiec.v16i3.5678 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Sidik, M. F., Vachruddin, V. P., Rusydiyah, E. F., Pertiwi, A. S., & Darmawan, M. A. (2024). Conceptualization of the integrated Islamic religious education curriculum: A literature study at Imam Hatip schools (Turkey) and MAN Insan Cendekia (Indonesia). Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Islam, 21(1), 111–130. https://doi.org/10.14421/jpai.v21i1.7617 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Suprihatin, R. J. (2024). Fitrah-based education as an alternative paradigm for character development in early childhood education: A narrative review. Panicgogy International Journal, 2(2), 72–82. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. UNESCO. (2024). Key elements and challenges of madrasa education: Global overview. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000375861 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies. (2025). Issues in Muslim education: The Philippines’ Madrasah Education Program. https://cids.up.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Issues-in-Muslim-Education.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. UNICEF. (2024). Sustainable Development Goals. https://www.unicef.org/sustainable-development-goals [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes (M. Cole, V. John‐Steiner, S. Scribner, & E. Souberman, Eds.). Harvard University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

Metrics

Views & Downloads

Similar Articles