The University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) celebrated the achievements of its new batch of Master of Arts in Islamic Studies graduates during the 34th Recognition Ceremony on July 27, 2024, at Virata Hall, UP Diliman Campus, Quezon City.
With the theme “Pagtammat: Bagong Simula at Malikhaing Paraan sa Pagtuklas ng Katotohanan at Paglingkod sa Bayan at Sangkatauhan”, the ceremony highlighted the graduates’ journeys as they embark on new paths in the pursuit of knowledge and service. “It is a reminder that we will engage in a renewed endeavor to seek truth and fulfill our duty to the nation and humanity,” stated Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of UP IIS.
Joining Dean Wadi this year was Hon. Almarim Centi Tillah, Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs, who served as the guest of honor. In his inspirational address, Hon. Tillah shared his six-decade-long advocacy for strengthening Muslim Filipino institutions nationwide, stemming from his roles as a student leader, organizer, public servant, and now Presidential Adviser. He encouraged the graduates to return to their communities, emphasizing, “It is there where they are most needed.”
Among the graduates honored this year were Sittie Aifat A. Ali, Paul Mark C. Andres, Ali Imran R. Arsad, Sittie Nur S. Cali, and Abdul Majid P. Marohombsar. Reflecting on their journeys, the graduates expressed their gratitude to the Institute for fostering an academic environment that was “both stimulating and challenging.” They also thanked their professors for showing that “kindness and intelligence can go hand in hand,” as they shape a new generation of Muslim scholars “versed in both social sciences and Islamic studies.” They acknowledged that graduating from the Institute meant carrying forward “the standards of UP and the values of Islam.”
Atty. Mehol K. Sadain, a distinguished professor at UP IIS, also shared words of inspiration with the graduates, connecting his message to the significance of “pagtammat,” a term denoting the completion of the Qur’an, particularly through memorization, as practiced in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. Just as pagtammat implies fulfillment, graduation from UP IIS marks a milestone in the graduates’ educational journeys. He reminded them to “honor the blessings of pagtammat and continue to uphold the values of the University and the Institute in their pursuits.”
In addition to the graduates, UP IIS recognized other students who have excelled academically through university and college scholar certifications. Shari’ah Bar 2024 passers who are students and alumni of the Institute were also honored during the event.
The annual recognition ceremony at UP IIS celebrates student achievements and brings together the UP IIS community, united in their commitment to the greater good of the Ummah—a mission that extends far beyond the Institute’s walls.
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