The UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) held its 36th Recognition Ceremony, centering on the theme Gumagalang: Reverencing Our Roots, Visioning Our Values, at the IBG-KAL Theater, UP Diliman, on July 2, 2026.
In his opening remarks, Dean Julkipli M. Wadi elucidated the core philosophy of gumagalang or respect as this year’s highlight. Dean Wadi stated that there is an underlying meaning to gumagalang beyond recognizing who is the authority. In Arabic, he continued, the term for respect is “ihtiram,” from the same root word “haram” which in one definition refers to that which is sacred or holy. These interlinked notions of respect and sacredness infer that in the realm of spirituality, to grant respect to a human being is to recognize the sacrality within them; to pierce through the other’s externalities and witness the divine element intrinsic and universal to all. This circles back to the act of giving and receiving a salaam or greeting in Islam, including other spiritual traditions, wherein by honoring the other and being honored as a response, the sacredness within two beings is in recognition of one another.
Ultimately, Dean Wadi provided an important reminder that paggalang is rooted in stewardship, responsibility, and a lifelong pursuit of knowledge, contextualizing the theme in wider pursuits to the graduates:
“We are called to be stewards (khalifah), entrusted with the amanah—the responsibility and accountability bestowed upon us. We should always be in a state of self-development—emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, and through innovation. The quest for learning is endless. Graduation is not the end, but a milestone in a lifelong journey of seeking knowledge and understanding. As the Qur’an reminds us, ‘You shall surely travel from stage to stage.’ The best form of devotion is the pursuit of knowledge.”
This year’s graduating class features Rofaida S. Balindong, Anna Tajannah S. Basman, Aleah S. Marabur, Sahod S. Aguil, Alicman S. Borowa, Al-Muntazar A. Jamasali, and Jamel T. Mamutuk. Each graduate delivered a brief reflection, recounting the personal motivations, challenges, and aspirations that shaped their journey toward completing the Master of Arts in Islamic Studies program. Alongside the graduates, several university and college scholars were also formally recognized for their academic excellence.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the inaugural Most Outstanding UP IIS Award to Dr. Isaac Donoso (Class of 2008). Drawing from centuries of archival materials from different repositories, Dr. Donoso emerged as an authority on Jawi manuscripts from Mindanao and Sulu. In his address, Dr. Donoso underscored the critical importance of researching Philippine Muslim history, an academic domain he has profoundly advanced and continues to champion, to unpack the more globalized histories of Southeast Asia and the Muslim world. He serves as a role model for IIS graduates in advancing the understanding of the southern Philippines and dispelling longstanding myths that persist to this day.
After Dr. Donoso’s meaningful speech in receiving the award, the Panunumpa ng mga Magsisipagtapos followed, led by Ustadh Luqman Bin Usman Imam, IIS Senior Lecturer, after which Atty. Mehol K. Sadain, IIS Professorial Lecturer, delivered the closing remarks. Atty. Sadain reminded the graduates of the theme’s deep anchoring in the Qur’an and the sunnah, linking it directly to the foundational virtue of taqwa. He also narrated the story of Nabi Musa’s (AS) encounter with Al-Khidr (AS) to demonstrate this divine principle. Concluding, he emphasized the enduring relevance and importance of shari’ah across historical periods and civilizations. By staying rooted in the Qur’an and the sunnah, guidance is guaranteed in visioning the future.
The IIS Recognition Ceremony is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of graduates of the Master of Arts in Islamic Studies program. It honors their academic accomplishments, the knowledge and skills they have gained, and their commitment to contributing to national development and serving the ummah.
Read the inspiring recognition speeches of the graduates here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T3LM58BfxrkQ736ua47gJBciYnjlfI-l/view?usp=sharing
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Article by Shariful S. Mansul, UP IIS Senior Research Assistant
Photos by Marlon Pervera, UP IIS Administrative Assistant III