Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Mindanao State University (MSU) System President Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tuesday (March 12) for the implementation of a project that will provide inclusive and culturally-sensitive programs to orphans and children in poverty living in “torils” in Marawi City.

Torils are private educational institutions that provide Qura’an memorization, Arabic language learning, and/or instruction on Islamic values and laws within a residential setting. The informal learning institution accepts stay-in learners.

Dubbed as Project Riayah, the partnership is expected to improve the living conditions, education, and overall well-being of children and orphans in torils.

Following the Marawi Siege in 2017, poverty has surged dramatically affecting a vulnerable sector of children, including many orphaned and abandoned, who have found refuge in torils.

Witnessing the MOU signing were DSWD Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs Fatima Aliah Dimaporo and MSU Presidential Management Staff Atty. Rashid V. Pandi. #