College of Arts and Sciences-MSU Maguindanao

MINALIIT NA KURSO, PINANINGNING NG TAGUMPAY: 3 Estudyante ng Islamic Studies, Nagtapos bilang Class Valedictorian at Magna Cum Laude sa Mindanao!

Isang makasaysayang tagumpay ang ipinamalas ng tatlong mag-aaral ng Islamic Studies matapos silang magtapos bilang mga Class Valedictorian at Magna Cum Laude sa kani-kanilang prestihiyosong unibersidad sa Mindanao ngayong taon.

Pinangunahan ni Yasmin Miro ang buong nagtapos na klase sa Cotabato State University (CotSU), habang nakamit naman ni Bai Aliyah Panda ang pinakamataas na parangal sa Mindanao State University - Maguindanao (MSU-MAG). Kasabay nilang nagningning si Raiza Maulana na itinanghal din bilang nangungunang mag-aaral sa Mindanao State University - General Santos (MSU-GES).

Sa kabila ng mga hamon at diskriminasyong madalas na kinakaharap ng kanilang kurso sa lipunan, pinatunayan nina Miro, Panda, at Maulana na hindi hadlang ang mga maling pananaw upang magtagumpay. Ang kanilang pambihirang husay ay nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa buong Bangsamoro na nagpapatunay na ang malalim na pananampalataya, dedikasyon sa akademya, at tamang paggabay ay sapat na sandata upang marating ang rurok ng tagumpay.

Here is an excerpt from the address delivered by Bai Aliyah M. Panda, Valedictorian of the 48th Commencement Exercises at MSU-Maguindanao.

Her message highlights the importance of integrity, resilience, and purpose. She encourages fellow graduates to prioritize ethical choices over convenience and to find meaning in their faith during difficult times. Rather than viewing graduation as an end, she asks her peers to see it as a shared milestone that honors the sacrifices made on the journey to becoming future leaders and public servants.

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 🎓

𝐀𝐥𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚̄𝐡!

It is with immense pride that we announce our 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧, 𝐌𝐬. 𝐁𝐚𝐢 𝐀𝐥𝐢𝐲𝐚𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚, who has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 and 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐦 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐝𝐞 graduate in the College of Arts and Sciences, paving the way for the Islamic Studies Department.

Finishing with an exemplary cumulative GPA, she has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of academic rigor. Beyond her academic triumphs, she has been a pillar of student leadership, guiding her peers as the 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬’ 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

Her dedication to both practical application and research was further recognized with the 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐬 awards. 🥇

"And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives." (Quran 53:39)

We proudly congratulate our Valedictorian on this monumental accomplishment. Her historic achievement is the beautiful fruit of combining unyielding sabr (patience) with relentless hard work.

May her journey serve as an inspiring reminder to us all that when unwavering perseverance meets dedicated effort, no goal is too high and no milestone is out of reach.

Once again, congratulations, Bai Aliyah M. Panda! May Allah continue to bless your journey and grant you success in this life and the Hereafter.

Your CAS family is truly proud of you! 🧡

Congratulations to the 19 Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Class of 2026! 🎓⚖️

On July 9, 2026, we proudly celebrate the graduation of the 19 students of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Alhamdulillah! This milestone is not only a testament to your academic achievement but also to the perseverance, resilience, and determination that brought you to this moment.

We witnessed your sacrifices, your challenges, and your unwavering commitment to reaching the finish line. Every obstacle you overcame has prepared you to become principled leaders, critical thinkers, public servants, policymakers, and advocates for justice.

Now more than ever, we need builders. We need leaders who build trust instead of division, institutions instead of personalities, peace instead of conflict, and opportunities instead of barriers. The communities of Maguindanao, the Bangsamoro, and our nation need more builders like you-individuals who will strengthen democratic institutions, promote good governance, uphold the rule of law, defend human rights, and transform sound ideas into meaningful public service.

As you embark on this new chapter, may you continue to lead with wisdom, serve with humility, and inspire positive change wherever you go. May your voices shape better policies, empower communities, and leave a legacy that future generations will be proud of.

Congratulations once again to the 19 graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Class of 2026. Your journey as students may have ended, but your mission as nation-builders has only just begun.

The future is not something we wait for-it is something we build. And today, the world welcomes 19 new builders.

Padayon, Political Scientists. The future of Maguindanao, the Bangsamoro, and the Philippines needs leaders like you.

𝗙𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵, 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: 𝗕𝗮𝗶 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝘆𝗮𝗵 𝗠. 𝗣𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮'𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗦𝗨–𝗠𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼'𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻

For Bai Aliyah M. Panda, becoming the first valedictorian from the Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies, major in Shari'ah, at Mindanao State University–Maguindanao's Class of 2026 is more than an academic milestone. Her journey reflects a story of faith, personal conviction, perseverance, and resilience—one shaped by difficult decisions, public scrutiny, and an unwavering commitment to her beliefs.

Panda's academic journey did not begin in Islamic Studies. She was initially enrolled in another degree program where she studied Philippine laws. While she appreciated the knowledge she gained, she found herself questioning whether her education reflected the values she wished to live by. Recalling the turning point that led her to shift programs, Panda shared, "Before I started studying Shari'ah, I was in a different program where I learned about the laws of the Philippines. We were often taught about things that are considered haram. I remember one of my instructors once said, 'I'm just teaching this; I'm not actually practicing it.' That statement really stuck with me." She said the remark stayed with her for days until, during one lecture, she came to a realization that changed the course of her education. "I was becoming an expert in man-made laws, but I had absolutely no real knowledge of Allah's law. That realization made me realize that I was on the wrong path for me. I wanted to understand the rules that truly matter to my faith and my soul. That is why I decided to leave my old program and pursue an AB in Islamic Studies, majoring in Shari'ah. I wanted my education to reflect what I truly believe in," Panda said.

Her college years, however, were not without challenges. According to Panda, one of the most difficult moments came during the conferment of academic honors. She shared that her name initially appeared on an unofficial honors list as ineligible due to the interpretation of the university's residency requirement, despite having earned the highest cumulative grade point average.

“I immediately wrote a letter to the OVSSD—not a petition, as fake news claimed—but a request for them to recognize the hard work and dedication I had poured into my years at the university,” Panda said. She expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor for Student Services and Development Vice Chancellor Dr. Ramjie, whom she credited for acting on her request after determining that no university policy prohibited a student who transferred between MSU campuses from receiving academic honors.

According to Panda, the matter was elevated to the Chancellor and underwent a review involving the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, the University Registrar, legal consultants from the MSU College of Law, and other university officials. The review clarified the relevant provision of the MSU Code of Governance, and upon the Chancellor's approval, she was officially recognized as the Class Valedictorian.

Following the announcement, Panda said she became the target of false accusations and online harassment. “People spread rumors that I had ‘bought’ the title, stolen it, mocked me because of my course, or used family influence,” she recalled. “I faced intense cyberbullying, with cruel posts sent to me by friends and peers. Yet, I chose to remain silent. I simply waited for the university to handle the situation, trusting in their process.”

Looking back, Panda believes the experience strengthened her understanding of sabr (patience) and tawakkul (trust in Allah). "That experience taught me that when people act out of emotion and ignorance, silence is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. Sometimes, the most dignified way to defend your truth is not to argue with the noise, but to make du'ā, trust Allah, remain steadfast, and let your character and the truth speak for themselves," she reflected. She added that the experience deepened her appreciation of a saying she attributes to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "What was meant for you will never miss you, and what missed you was never meant for you." For Panda, the lesson is ultimately captured in the words, Qadr'Allah Wa Ma Sha Fa'al—Allah has decreed, and whatever He wills, He does.

Beyond academic achievements, Panda said the chapter of her life she longs to revisit is not her graduation but the quiet moments she shared with her late Ina. "I often think back to the quiet moments when my Ina would call my name, asking for help with simple, everyday things. Especially at night, she would call me to join her for our night routine," she recalled. She admitted that there were times she hesitated or delayed because of schoolwork and the pressures of university life. "If I could return to those moments, I would drop everything in an instant. I would hug her tightly, hold her hands, and cherish every conversation, listening to her life stories and even her smallest rants, fully present and without distraction," she said.

As she concludes her undergraduate journey, Panda hopes people will remember not only her academic accomplishments but also the values that sustained her throughout every challenge. "Sometimes, the most dignified way to defend your truth is not to argue with the noise, but to make du'ā, trust Allah, remain steadfast, and let your character and the truth speak for themselves," she said. Guided by the belief, Qadr'Allah Wa Ma Sha Fa'al—Allah has decreed, and whatever He wills, He does—Panda's story reflects how faith, perseverance, and conviction shaped her journey to becoming the first valedictorian from the Bachelor of Arts in Islamic Studies, major in Shari'ah, at MSU–Maguindanao.

✍🏻 Gregorio
‎🖼️ Caoimhe

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶'𝗮𝗵 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Mindanao State University-Maguindanao extends its warmest congratulations to our exceptional graduate students and alumna for successfully passing the recent Shari'ah Special Bar Examinations (SSBE).

Your achievement brings immense pride to the university community and underscores CAS’s commitment to academic excellence in Islamic jurisprudence and studies.

We proudly recognize the following successful examinees:

𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐚𝐰 (𝐌𝐈𝐋) 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

𝑈𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑑ℎ 𝑂𝑚𝑎𝑟 𝐷𝑎𝑠𝑒𝑙, 𝑺𝑪𝑳

𝑈𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑑ℎ 𝐻𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑢𝑑𝑖𝑛 𝑆𝑎𝑦𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑛, 𝑺𝑪𝑳

𝑈𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑑ℎ 𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑠 𝐴𝑏𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑑, 𝑺𝑪𝑳

𝐻𝑜𝑛. 𝐽𝑢𝑑𝑔𝑒 𝐿𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝐶. 𝑇𝑖𝑏𝑜𝑟𝑜𝑛-𝐵𝑖𝑟𝑢𝑎𝑟, 𝑺𝑪𝑳

𝐴𝑡𝑡𝑦. 𝑁𝑢𝑟𝑤𝑎ℎ𝑖𝑑 𝐿𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑚, 𝑺𝑪𝑳

𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 (𝐁𝐀𝐈𝐒) 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦

𝑅𝑜𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑦𝑛 𝑀. 𝐺𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑜, 𝑺𝑪𝑳
(BAIS Alumna)

The entire CAS faculty, staff, and student body salute your dedication, hard work, and brilliant achievement. May you continue to practice your profession with integrity and serve the community with distinction.

🎓 𝐀𝐥𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚̄𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐲-𝐭𝐰𝐨 (𝟓𝟐) 𝐀𝐁 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬. 🎊

The MSU - Maguindanao’s Islamic Studies Department proudly recognizes and celebrates the remarkable journey of our 𝐟𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐲-𝐭𝐰𝐨 (𝟓𝟐) 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢’𝐚𝐡 graduating students.

Your years of dedication, perseverance, and commitment to seeking both Islamic and academic knowledge have led you to this significant milestone. Through countless challenges, sacrifices, and moments of growth, you have remained steadfast in your pursuit of excellence. Today, we honor not only your academic achievements but also the values, integrity, and service you have cultivated throughout your journey.

We proudly recognize and celebrate:

01. PANDA, Bai Aliyah
02. LANGGUYUAN, Norhaina
03. HUSAIN, Asmawera
04. GANDAL, Kandibay
05. SAID, Joemaira
06. PINADZLA, Hanina
07. ESMAIL, Norhuda
08. ABUBAKAR, Shyrish
09. DIBO, Ashya
10. CABALO, Jomar
11. MAMA, Jiego
12. MONIR, Norhamin
13. BANTAS, Mohammad
14. GOLO, Noryasser
15. PAGADOR, Yasser
16. ABDULLAH, Alfaried
17. MANTULINO, Benladin
18. UPAK, Hawla
19. EBRAHIM, Norsida
20. SALIK, Maricel
21. ABDULHAMID, Hairan
22. NANDING, Rosmina
23. DIMAUKOM, Rohamina
24. MATON, Sittie Aizah
25. BUDI, Nhormina
26. KADIL, Tatanor
27. SAUDAGAL, Rabia
28. TAHIR, Isamira
29. MONIR, Joehar
30. BLAIM, Samsaida
31. DALANDA, Aslia
32. NUNGGA, Binladin
33. ZACARIA, Sadam
34. MANAN, Haifah
35. ABUBAKAR, Mahmudin
36. SAPTULA, Samsudin
37. TALIB, Saripa
38. UKOM, Baicong
39. ESMAIL, Halima
40. ABDULLAH, Rohaina
41. MOHAMAD, Noraisa
42. TAUTI, Aliya
43. GUIALAL, Evelyn
44. GUIAMBLANG, Sarah
45. EBRAHIM, Nor-n
46. GUIALAL, Juhanie
47. ABDUL, Saula
48. UDSAG, Nor-ain
49. PAO, Tatanot
50. ALAMADA, Rayyana
51. SAID, Faisal
52. BALAM, Shakira

As you embark on a new chapter, may Allah (SWT) bless your paths with wisdom, sincerity, and success. May the knowledge you have acquired continue to benefit your communities, uphold justice, and serve the Ummah with compassion and excellence.

May this achievement inspire you to remain lifelong seekers of knowledge and ambassadors of justice and the noble teachings of Islam.

𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔! ✨

‎بَارَكَ ٱللَّٰهُ لَكُمْ وَفِي عِلْمِكُمْ، وَوَفَّقَكُمْ لِمَا يُحِبُّهُ وَيَرْضَاهُ.

May Allah bless you all and your knowledge, and grant you all success in all that He loves and is pleased with.

Their graduation ceremony, being the 48th Commencement Exercises of MSU-Maguindanao, is set to take place on Thursday, the 9th of July, 2026, at the Datu Odin Sinsuat Gymnasium in Dalican, Maguindanao del Norte.

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗠𝗔 𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀

The 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 of 𝐌𝐒𝐔-𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 extends its warmest congratulations to our exceptional graduates on reaching this monumental milestone. Your unwavering dedication, intellectual perseverance, and deep commitment to learning have led to this well-deserved success.

We proudly recognize and celebrate:

1. 𝐴𝐿𝐼𝑀𝐴𝑁𝐷𝑂, 𝑆𝑂𝑅𝐴𝐼𝑁𝐴
2. 𝐴𝑀𝑃𝐴𝑁𝑂𝐾, 𝐴𝑀𝐴𝑁𝐼𝐸 𝐴.
3. 𝐵𝐴𝑁𝑇𝐴𝑂, 𝐺𝐻𝐴𝑍𝐴𝐿𝐼 𝑀.
4. 𝐸𝑀𝑃𝐸𝑁, 𝐹𝐴𝑇𝐼𝑀𝐴 𝑀.
5. 𝐸𝑁𝑇𝑂𝐿, 𝐽𝑈𝐾𝑁𝐼𝐴 𝐴.
6. 𝐺𝑂𝐺𝑂, 𝑇𝑂𝑁𝐺 𝑀.
7. 𝐼𝐵𝑅𝐴𝐻𝐼𝑀, 𝐴𝐵𝐷𝑈𝐿𝑅𝐴𝑆𝐼𝐷 𝑆.
8. 𝐿𝐴𝑁𝑆𝑂𝑁, 𝑁𝐴𝑆𝑆𝐸𝑅 𝑈.
9. 𝑀𝐴𝐶𝐴𝑃𝐴𝑁𝑇𝐴𝑅, 𝐽𝐴𝑁𝐼𝐶𝐸-𝑍𝐴𝐻 𝑀.
10. 𝑀𝐴𝑀𝑂𝐺𝐶𝐴𝑇, 𝐽𝐴𝑌𝐻𝐴𝑁𝑁𝐸 𝐾.
11. 𝑃𝐴𝐶𝐴𝑆𝐸𝑀, 𝑈𝐵𝐴𝐼𝐷𝐴 𝐶.
12. 𝑃𝐴𝑁𝐷𝐼, 𝐶𝐻𝐴𝑅𝐴𝑁𝐼𝐸 𝐵.

May Allah (SWT) bless you with beneficial knowledge ('Ilm nafi'), grant you immense success in all your future endeavors, and place you among those who serve the Ummah with wisdom, sincerity, and excellence.

As you step into this next chapter, may your education serve as a beacon of light, inspiring big, positive change in your communities and far beyond.

"And say, 'My Lord, increase me in knowledge.'" > — Qur'an 20:114

Congratulations once again, Graduates! Your journey of impact begins now.

Their graduation ceremony, being the 48th Commencement Exercises of MSU-Maguindanao, is set to take place on Thursday, the 9th of July, 2026, at the Datu Odin Sinsuat Gymnasium in Dalican, Maguindanao del Norte.