Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines-Diliman
Application for MA Islamic Studies for first semester 2020-2021 is now open. Please email your inquiries and submit all scanned documents to iis@up.edu.ph, iis@upd.edu.ph, djroldan@up.edu.ph, and naarsad@up.edu.ph. For application procedure and requirements please visit https://iis.upd.edu.ph/ma-program/apply/
Last March 17, 2020, President Rodrigo R. Duterte placed National Capital Region (NCR) and other selected places in the Philippines under lockdown, officially referred to as “community quarantine, to limit the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).” NCR and nearby regions in Luzon were specifically put under “Enhanced community quarantine” (ECQ), the strictest of such measure. It was followed by the issuance of a memorandum from the office of UP President Danilo L. Concepcion requiring the entire University of the Philippines System under quarantine measure. Office work (with the exemption of essential offices like “Budget Office”) and all modes of classes were cancelled.
UP Institute of Islamic Studies faculty members and lecturers extended assistance to students stranded in their dormitories and boarding houses. The initiative was supplemented by concerned groups and individuals such as PNP Salam Police, headed by Police Major Joel C. Tuttuh, Adzhar Jadda Madjid of WAMY Philippines, Engr. Sadoun Abdul Aziz and Sister Khadijah Zainab Carmela of Al Rabah Scholarship, and Atty. Imelda Deinla. Special mention is made for Salam Compound RESKYU Team, IIS staff and students, who served as manpower preparing and distributing the goods to dormitories and boarding houses of UP Muslim students which lasted for almost a month. The Institute would also like to recognize the significant help of UP Muslim Student Association (UPMSA) President Abdul Basit Manalundong for facilitating the easy contact of non-IIS students.
Commenting on the Enhanced Community Quarantine, IIS lecturer Atty. Mehol Sadain said: “This is not just a simple matter of preventing people from mingling so they do not contaminate each other. This is a matter that should balance health requirements with livelihood necessities, and provide facilities for both. You do not protect one from disease by leaving him to die of hunger. So this virus should also inculcate compassion on all those who are in a position to give…”
“The initiative of conducting cultural-sensitive seminars promote an appreciation [for] cultural diversity geared towards peaceful coexistence, respect, and tolerance.” This action, according to the University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies Dean, Asst. Prof. Macrina A. Morados is a good way to mend and prevent public furor caused by the controversial PNP memorandum directing to submit an updated list of Muslims students.
In the hopes of strengthening the cultural sensitivity of PNP personnel in the National Capital Region, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) through its Regional Community Affairs and Development Division in partnership with UP Institute of Islamic Studies conducted a Cultural Sensitivity Seminar last February 27-28, 2020 at the Moral and Spiritual Formation Center, Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
Facilitated by UP Institute of Islamic Studies faculty members together with Commissioner Yusuf Roque Morales of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, the seminar provided the participants the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Muslim beliefs, culture, and tradition. The Seminar featured plenary sessions that tackled different topics on cultural literacy, cultural sensitivity, code on Muslim Personal Laws, alternative dispute resolution, handling Muslim legal issues, and understanding Moro history. The participants capped the event with an immersion visit to the two mosques in Manila–a move that fosters to build rapport and positive relations with different sectors of the Muslim community.
In line with PNP’s mandate for greater community engagement with its constituents, NCRPO Regional Director PMGEN Debold M. Sinas supports advocating for cultural sensitivity activities to create a positive impact among the PNP personnel, especially those from areas in NCR. He reveals his optimism that the seminar will “ensure that policemen in Metro Manila will know how to engage with the Muslim community.” A total of 100 PNP Police Regional Community Relations and Development Officers attended the seminar.
“Cultural diversity separates us in many ways, but one thing unites us—our [endless] chase or a peaceful place to live. For years this has been the goal of every civilization. To make the community a safe and peaceful place to live in.”- PCol Ariel R. Fulo, NCRPO Regional Community Affairs and Development Division Chief.
The Institute of Islamic Studies of the University of the Philippines Diliman is the face of the scholarly and academic Muslim community in the Philippines. It fulfills its vision and mission as the government’s partner in attaining progress and development in the country.
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