Category: News & Archives

UP CIDS-ISP and UP IIS conduct capacity building for Philippine Muslim history teachers in Tawi-Tawi

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 22 Feb 2024

“History is an important tool for gaining lessons from past events and understanding oneself and culture. It provides an opportunity to widen one’s horizons towards a more inclusive worldview and meaningful life.”

In pursuit of integrating the subject of Philippine Muslim History into the higher education curriculum in the Philippines, the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS-ISP), in collaboration with the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS), organized a Capacity Building for Philippine Muslim History Teachers on February 17-18, 2024, at Almari Beach Resort in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Initiated in 2020, this capacity-building project, a continuation of the UP CIDS-ISP’s efforts, aimed to map out appropriate content, methodologies, and strategies for teaching Philippine Muslim History (PMH) across the country. This endeavor was prompted by Republic Act 10908, also referred to as “An Act Mandating the Integration of Filipino-Muslim and Indigenous Peoples’ history, Culture, and Identity in the Study of Philippine History in Both Basic and Higher Education.” Additionally, the capacity-building provided a platform to discuss recent developments in PMH, including the Administrative Order known as “650PH in 2023,” which established a steering committee for commemorating the 650th Anniversary of Philippine Muslim History and Heritage, with the Executive Secretary of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) as chair.

The event brought together Muslim historians and faculty members from institutions offering Islamic Studies and courses in Philippine Muslim History. It served as an opportunity for participants to share their experiences and challenges in teaching this important subject. Currently, Philippine Muslim History is often integrated into Islamic Studies programs or included briefly within Philippine history courses, limiting its reach among students and teaching opportunities for educators. Uniform syllabi and reference materials are also lacking, hindering cohesive and comprehensive teaching of the subject.

Assistant Professor Darwin J. Absari, Convenor of ISP and resource person for sessions 1 and 3, elaborated on governmental initiatives and stakeholder efforts, including those of UP CIDS-ISP and UP IIS, aimed at addressing these gaps. “Our objective is to mainstream the teaching of PHM, making it accessible to all students across colleges and universities, starting within communities with predominantly Muslim populations,” he emphasized. Therefore, the capacity-building served as a collaborative platform for educators and historians to work towards this goal. Asst. Prof. Absari also provided a list of recommended references and books for teaching PMH, offering insights into the pre-Islamic history and the arrival and spread of Islam in the Philippines.

During her session on course contextualization, Associate Professor Nefertari Arsad, Project Leader of UP CIDS-ISP and faculty member of UP IIS, facilitated discussions on participants’ intents for teaching PMH and the possible curriculum transformations as a result of these intents. She also facilitated decision-making on PMH instructional design based on questions about disciplinal purposes and critical issues.

In the concluding segment of the sessions, participants, under the guidance of the UP CIDS-ISP and UP IIS team, identified future steps towards advancing the integration of Philippine Muslim History in the Philippines. Initial measures entail disseminating insights learned from the capacity-building exercises and initiating dialogues with UP IIS. A subgroup consisting of Muslim historians was established to ensure sustained engagement and collaboration.

Given that the Philippine Muslim History subject involves lessons on Islamic historical landmarks, the second day of the capacity-building featured an educational trip to sites including Sheik Makdum Mosque, Bud Bangao Peak, and Old Chinese Pier. These sites are significant to the Bangsamoro people and the Islamization of the Philippines.

Muslim historians and history teachers from Western Mindanao State University, MSU-Sulu, Sulu State College, Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College, MSU-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography, MSU-General Santos, and Mahardika Institute of Technology, Inc. participated in the capacity-building.

News & Archives

UP IIS Hosts a Forum on Hajj:
Bridging Understanding and Collaboration

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 21 Oct 2023

Hajj, a cornerstone of Islamic faith, entails a pilgrimage to the Ka’bah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, an obligation that all physically and financially capable Muslims must fulfill at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, the practice of Hajj in the Philippines has faced persistent challenges over the years, including administrative and financing issues. As a result, lawmakers have started advocating for legislation to ensure the smooth execution of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the Philippines. Several common suggestions have emerged from legislative proposals, such as enabling private entities to engage in Hajj operations and restricting the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) to the registration and accreditation of sheikhs exclusively.

Recognizing the need to address these issues, the UP Diliman Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS), in collaboration with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs (OPAMA), initiated a dialogue through a forum titled “Administering and Financing the Hajj 2023: Issues, Problems, and Solutions.” This forum, which took place on October 13, 2023, at SR 108, University Hotel, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, aimed to delve into the challenges faced in administering and financing the Hajj pilgrimage.

In the words of Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, the Dean of the Institute, “The Institute of Islamic Studies is mandated to conduct research and studies on Islamic institutions, culture, and traditions of our Muslim brethren. Hence, we organized this public forum to help scrutinize the issues, identify the problems, and potentially propose solutions related to Hajj as an Islamic institution.”

Highlighting the significance of the Institute within the University of the Philippines Diliman, Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II expressed his commitment to supporting initiatives related to the Muslim community: “I’ve had the opportunity to visit Cotabato, Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi during my legal work, and those interactions have always been enlightening for me. Now, as the administrator of UP Diliman, I have the capacity to do more. I implore you to let us know what you need, and let us assist you through Dean Wadi and the Institute of Islamic Studies.”

Secretary Almarim Centi Tillah, the Presidential Adviser on Muslim Affairs, set the tone for the forum: “This forum aims to fortify the Hajj pilgrimage. It is not about passing judgment, be it positive or negative. The consensus, after extensive discussions, is to facilitate improvement. Let us do our job well, not just NCMF but all of us. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that each succeeding Hajj pilgrimage surpasses the previous ones.”

The forum was attended by diverse group of stakeholders, including academicians, financial institutions like the Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank, government agencies such as the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the House of Representatives, and various sectors directly affected by Hajj operation—among them the NCMF, Philippine Airlines, travel agencies, and the sheikhs leading pilgrim delegations.

The presentations by various speakers significantly contributed to a deeper understanding of the issues surrounding Hajj, and the interactive discussions between UP IIS and the attending groups further enriched the discourse. The proceedings of the forum will be meticulously documented, with the intention of creating a comprehensive record that reflects both the challenges and potential solutions related to the practice of Hajj in the Philippines. This invaluable resource will be made accessible to all participants and stakeholders for future reference and action.

News & Archives

IIS Job Vacancy

Post author By zaindaclis
Post date 16 Oct 2023

UP IIS is hiring an Education Research Assistant I (SG 9-1).

Deadline of Application is until October 27, 2023.

Interested applicants must submit on or before the set deadline their application together with the required document attachments to: hrdorecruitment.upd@up.edu.ph.

For complete details on the requirements and how the application process is performed, please visit this page: Jobs • Human Resource Development Office (upd.edu.ph)

Please take note of the following:

All documents submitted shall be considered as property of the UPD-HRRD Office and has the prerogative to make any actions that are deemed appropriate.
Application with incomplete documents shall not be considered in the list of qualified applicants.
Late submission shall not be accepted and entertained.
Only documents received on or before the deadline shall be used as the basis for evaluation.

News & Archives

UPIIS and ICRC hold another round of Certificate Course on IHL and Islamic Law

Post author By UP Institute of Islamic Studies
Post date 22 Sep 2023

The similarities between International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Islamic Law are not coincidental. They stem from universal ideals and shared principles, emphasizing the importance of fostering a deeper understanding and effective implementation of these laws.

UP Diliman (UPD) Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II highlighted this point in his message during the welcoming dinner of the three-day certificate course on International Humanitarian Law and Islamic Law related to Armed Conflict (Siyar). He remarked, “I believe this [certificate course] serves as a significant point of convergence and understanding because International Humanitarian Laws are universal. They embody excellent values and principles to comprehend and appreciate, irrespective of our beliefs. What unites all these IHL principles is our shared commitment to human dignity, a value cherished by all.”

UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UPIIS) Dean Professor Julkipli M. Wadi further emphasized the program’s importance. According to him, “It has a rich discipline in Islamic law, referred to as Siyar. It is timely not only in the Philippines but also in other countries, where numerous communities require intervention, especially from human rights groups and humanitarian missions and institutions.”

In light of this, UPIIS is firmly committed to continuing its partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the implementation of the certificate course. This collaboration further reinforces the Institute’s mission to support the Muslim Ummah and, importantly, contributes to UP’s commitment to public service.

Mr. Dany Merhy, Head of Prevention of ICRC Philippines, underscored the significance of achieving these objectives in his opening speech. He emphasized that “dialogue, especially between humanitarian organizations and religious leaders, can establish a solid common ground and convey powerful messages to communities, armed carriers , and decision-makers.”

These objectives were further addressed through a series of lectures and activities led by resource speakers from both UPIIS and ICRC during this year’s certificate course, held from September 19 to September 21, 2023, at the Oblation Lounge, University Hotel, UP Diliman, Quezon City. This extension project aims to promote understanding and knowledge of the rules of IHL and Islamic Law, particularly those relevant to armed conflict, and to explore their compatibility. It also provides participants with an opportunity to engage in discourse, deepening their collaboration in safeguarding the lives and dignity of victims of armed violence.

Throughout the course, various speakers from UPIIS and ICRC covered topics such as ICRC’s mission in the Philippines, dialogue on IHL and Islamic Law, International Islamic Law, the Islamic Law of War (“Siyar”), and the relationship between IHL and Human Rights Law. Additional lectures addressed conflict classification, protection of individuals and objects under IHL, preserving dignity for the deceased, combating sexual violence, and the protection of detainees and prisoners of war in Islamic Law of War.

The final day of the course focused on humanitarian law and assistance initiatives by Muslim institutions in the Philippines. Topics included healthcare worker protection, ICRC healthcare initiatives, conflicts in the Bangsamoro region, contemporary challenges in implementing IHL, and engaging with decision-makers on IHL and Islamic Law. It concluded with a group discussion moderated by Prof. Darwin Absari, UPIIS faculty, allowing participants to express their thoughts and insights on effectively engaging with decision-makers on IHL and Islamic Law related to armed conflict. Among the major recommendations put forth by the participants was the continuous conduct of certificate courses with longer durations and broader participation, including non-Muslims.

This year’s certificate course drew twenty-five participants from various regions, including Davao, Cotabato, Basilan, Zamboanga, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, Cebu, Butuan, and Manila. Participants represented government organizations, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, academia, non-governmental organizations, various BARMM agencies, non-state actors, Islamic scholars, and the revert Muslim movement.

News & Archives

IIS 33rd Recognition Ceremony

Post author By zaindaclis
Post date 10 Aug 2023

IIS honored the dedication and hard work of its graduates who completed their Master of Arts in Islamic Studies degree as well as University and College Scholars who achieved academic excellence last July 26, 2023, at the De Los Reyes Auditorium, UP SOLAIR bldg., University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

This year’s ceremony guest speaker is the President of the International Center for Social Research, Peace and Development- Philippines and a longtime friend of the Institute, Engr. Ossama Al-Azzouni. His extensive knowledge of Islamic scholarship, Shari’ah, and advocacy for the Muslim Ummah will serve as inspiration for our students to continue serving the community and making contributions to the advancement of the country.

True to this year’s theme: “Tayog: Excellence in Knowledge, Service for Humanity,” graduates are reminded to remain ‘matayog’ in their quest for knowledge as “the real test and significance of this search are to translate it by serving others and the community,” (Prof. Wadi) while serving Allah (Engr. Al-Azzouni).

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