College of Arts and Sciences-MSU Maguindanao

𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐈𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐋𝐀𝐖 (𝐌𝐈𝐋)
ꜰɪʀꜱᴛ-ʏᴇᴀʀ ᴀᴅᴍɪꜱꜱɪᴏɴꜱ ɴᴏᴡ ᴏᴘᴇɴ

In pursuit of excellence in education, research, and service for sustainable peace and development, the 𝗠𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗮𝘄 (𝗠𝗜𝗟) program of MSU-Maguindanao invites applications for First-Year Admission.

The program is designed to develop competent scholars, educators, legal practitioners, researchers, public servants, and community leaders who are equipped with advanced knowledge of 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫ī‘𝐚𝐡, 𝐅𝐢𝐪𝐡, 𝐔ṣū𝐥 𝐚𝐥-𝐅𝐢𝐪𝐡, 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐲, 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬. Through rigorous academic training and meaningful research, students are prepared to contribute to policy development, ethical governance, social transformation, and the promotion of justice and peace in diverse communities.

𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡 ﷻ 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬:

"𝘈𝘭𝘭𝘢𝘩 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦 𝘣𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘴."
(𝐐𝐮𝐫’𝐚𝐧 𝟓𝟖:𝟏𝟏)

Consistent with MSU-Maguindanao's mission to develop high-quality human resources and deliver services for development, environmental stewardship, and community advancement, the MIL program nurtures intellectual excellence, moral integrity, and leadership grounded in Islamic values. Students are encouraged to engage critically with contemporary legal and societal issues while upholding the principles of justice, compassion, accountability, and service to humanity.

Join a community of scholars committed to advancing knowledge, strengthening institutions, promoting peace, and serving the Ummah through informed and ethical leadership.

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡

𝗘𝗻𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗦𝗨-𝗠𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗼'𝘀 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘁𝘆, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗵.

𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 • 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 • 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 • 𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 • 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝘂𝗻𝘆ā 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 Ā𝗸𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗵

🎉 GOOD NEWS, ASPIRING GRADUATE STUDENTS!

You now have more time to pursue your academic and professional goals. The admission period for the MSU-Maguindanao Graduate Programs for the First Semester, A.Y. 2026–2027 has been 𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝟮𝟰, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲!

Whether you aspire to lead, teach, transform communities, advance research, or make a lasting impact in your profession, your journey starts here.

If you have not yet completed your application, this is your opportunity to pursue a Master's Degree, a Doctoral Degree, or a Diploma.

📌 Submit your application requirements on or before July 24, 2026.

Apply now and take advantage of this extended admission period!

Political Science Society Holds General Assembly, Elects New Student Leaders

The Political Science Society successfully conducted its General Assembly and Local Student Council Election, bringing together students, outgoing officers, and aspiring leaders in a demonstration of democratic participation and student governance.

During the assembly, the outgoing officers presented their accomplishment report, proposed resolutions, and financial transparency report, highlighting the organization's initiatives and accountability for Academic Year 2025–2026.

The event also marked the proclamation of the newly elected officers for Academic Year 2026–2027, who are expected to continue advancing student representation, academic engagement, and service-oriented leadership within the department.

Newly Elected Officers (AY 2026–2027)

Mayor: Haifah Talib
Vice Mayor: Muadzam H. Tahir
Secretary: Hafsah Omar
Treasurer: Merry Ann Midtimbang
Auditor: Aljuman M. Ahim
Public Information Officer: Jeraldine Mantulino
Business Manager: Zahora Sanday
Assistant Business Manager: Bai Ali Lamalan

Year-Level Representatives
2nd Year: Luisa Buat
3rd Year: Norhaya Dimasangkay
4th Year: Bai Isnaira D. Macabangen

The assembly concluded with a renewed commitment to transparency, democratic participation, and meaningful public service as the organization begins a new academic year under its newly elected leaders.

𝐌𝐒𝐔-𝐌𝐀𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐎 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐏𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐍 𝐈𝐒𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄

Mindanao State University (MSU)-Maguindanao joined key stakeholders from government, academia, and the Islamic finance industry during the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on ASEAN Islamic Economics and Finance Education Mapping via Zoom teleconference.

The activity formed part of the research project “Integrating ASEAN Islamic Finance through Academic Collaboration and Knowledge Transformation (IMPACT),” a regional initiative led by INCEIF University, Malaysia, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies (UPIIS). Supported by the Islamic Economics Research and Innovation Fund (IERIF) of the Ministry of Finance Malaysia, the project seeks to strengthen Islamic economics and finance education, research collaboration, and knowledge exchange among ASEAN member countries. Representing MSU-Maguindanao were Assoc. Prof. Maaroopha Abdulkadir, Chairperson of the Technical Working Group, and Assist Prof Abdulmaula Mantawil, Vice Chairperson of the Technical Working Group of the Diploma in Islamic Economics and Fiscal Administration, for the diploma program.

The FGD convened an impressive gathering of leaders and experts from various sectors. Government perspectives were represented by officials from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (OGCC), the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), and the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MFBM-BARMM). Their participation provided valuable insights on policy development and institutional support mechanisms necessary for advancing Islamic economics and finance in the Philippines.

The academic sector was equally well represented, bringing together scholars and administrators from INCEIF University, the University of the Philippines through the Institute of Islamic Studies and the Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP-CIDS), the Mindanao State University System, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), and Mindanao State University-Maguindanao. The discussions highlighted the growing role of higher education institutions in developing competent professionals and producing research that supports the expanding Islamic finance ecosystem in the country and across ASEAN.

Industry practitioners also contributed their expertise, with participation from Al-Amanah Islamic Investment Bank of the Philippines, Maybank Philippines, Philippine Ulama Congress Organization, ASA Philippines Foundation, CARD MRI, PRU Life UK's Takaful Window, CLIMBS Life and General Insurance Cooperative, and G-Xchange Inc. (GCash). Their perspectives emphasized the need for stronger alignment between academic programs and industry requirements to ensure graduates possess the competencies needed in the evolving Islamic finance sector.

Throughout the discussions, participants explored curriculum frameworks, learning outcomes, competency standards, research collaboration opportunities, and the proposed establishment of a shared ASEAN repository for Islamic economics and finance research. The initiative aims to create stronger linkages among universities, policymakers, and industry players while promoting regional integration and innovation in Islamic finance education.

MSU-Maguindanao's participation underscores its commitment to advancing Islamic economics and finance education in the Bangsamoro region and to contributing to national and regional efforts toward developing a robust Islamic finance ecosystem. The University extends its profound appreciation and gratitude to Chancellor Bai Hejira Nefertiti A. Limbona for her visionary leadership, unwavering support, and steadfast commitment to academic excellence and international engagement. Through her guidance and encouragement, MSU-Maguindanao continues to strengthen its presence in regional and international academic initiatives, creating opportunities for faculty members, researchers, and students to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Islamic economics, Islamic finance, and sustainable development.
As MSU-Maguindanao continues to expand its academic partnerships and research collaborations, the University remains dedicated to producing impactful scholarship and innovative programs that serve the Bangsamoro community, the Philippines, and the broader ASEAN region.

📣 CALL FOR APPLICATION: LEAD. SERVE. AMPLIFY! 💙💛 Attention, CASALIGAN!

The election season is officially here, and the College of Arts in Sciences Student Association (CASSA) is looking for its next visionary leaders to run for office. If you are a bona fide, officially enrolled MSU-Maguindanao student with no failing grades (5.0) from the previous semester and hold no other major student organization positions, this is your time to file your candidacy!

To apply, submit hard copies of your accomplished CASSA form, COR (2nd Sem A.Y. 2025-2026), Grade Card (1st Sem A.Y. 2025-2026), a photocopy of your school ID, and a 2x2 formal photo with a white background to the Office of Sir Joey Baldestamon (CASSA Adviser) and the COMELEC.

Applications are officially ongoing as of May 13, 2026—don't miss the chance to represent and make a real difference for your college today!

𝙿𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕 𝚂𝚌𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚂𝚘𝚌𝚒𝚎𝚝𝚢 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚞𝚌𝚝𝚜 𝙿𝚘𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚕 𝙳𝚒𝚜𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚗 𝚄𝚂–𝙸𝚛𝚊𝚗 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚝 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸𝚝𝚜 𝙸𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝙿𝚑𝚒𝚕𝚒𝚙𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙱𝙰𝚁𝙼𝙼

The growing tensions between the United States and Iran continue to shape global political discourse, highlighting how international conflicts create ripple effects far beyond the Middle East. In the academic discourse entitled “Understanding the US–Iran Conflict: Local Implications in the Philippines and the BARMM,” Political Science students explored the historical roots, geopolitical dimensions, and local consequences of one of the world’s most enduring rivalries.

The discussion emphasized that the US–Iran conflict is not merely a distant international issue, but a global concern with implications on economies, security, political perceptions, and interfaith relations, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Serving as resource speaker, Bai Putri Morayah A. Amil emphasized that conflicts in the Middle East directly affect Filipinos, especially communities in Mindanao, because global conflicts inevitably influence everyday life.

“Conflicts affect our daily lives. What happens in the Middle East matters to us in Mindanao,” she stated.

During the presentation, Prof. Amil discussed how tensions in the Middle East affect the Philippines through rising oil prices, inflation, the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and broader security concerns. She also highlighted possible “security ripple effects,” including misinformation, radicalization narratives, and challenges to peace-building initiatives in BARMM.

Joining the intellectual exchange, Dr. Badrudin K. Abdul, the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Shamsuddin Taya, the Program Coordinator of the Political Science program, and Prof. Ralph Darren Santillan, indulged themselves in the discussion, providing further depth to the critical issues raised.

Participants also examined the historical roots of the US–Iran rivalry, including the 1953 Iranian coup, the 1979 Iranian Revolution, the hostage crisis, and decades of geopolitical tensions that followed. The forum tackled concepts such as the security dilemma, proxy conflicts, nuclear tensions involving Iran’s nuclear program, and the collapse of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

In closing, participants underscored the importance of strong institutions, informed citizens, and principled diplomacy as safeguards for both the Philippines and BARMM against external political and economic shocks. The event was attended and participated in by Political Science students from the 1st to 3rd year levels, as well as Islamic Studies students and faculty members. The discourse also served as a course requirement for Third Year BA Political Science students under POS127 – Special Topics in Comparative Politics.

𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞: 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝟔𝐈𝐃 𝐈𝐦𝐚𝐦 🤝🏛️

The Islamic Studies Department was honored to host Capt. Aleem Abdulhaq L. Mohammad, PA, Imam of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), Philippine Army, for a consultative meeting today. Joining the discussion was the Chairperson of the Political Science Department, highlighting a multi-disciplinary academic approach to community peace-building.

The discussions focused on exploring strategic avenues for future collaboration, including an MOA, to strengthen the synergy between the academe and the 6ID. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to promoting inter-faith dialogue as a vital tool for fostering harmony through shared values.

Furthermore, both parties emphasized the need for ongoing sensitivity discussions and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening religious and cultural awareness in their respective spheres.

MSU Maguindanao looks forward to a productive partnership as we work together to foster a more inclusive, respectful, and culturally sensitive environment for all.

𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐇𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬

On April 26, 2026, the Institute of Management at Mindanao State University - Maguindanao hosted a comprehensive academic seminar on "Persons, Family Relations, and Property," with a special emphasis on Muslim Law and Shariah. The forum provided law students with practical, simplified guides on mastering legal examinations and navigating the complexities of Islamic personal laws.

The event began with an opening prayer led by Johair Mamgintay and was formally called to order by the esteemed resource speaker, Atty. Sheikh Kalid Bhen Hanafie Mero, SCl, EdD. Atty. Mero centered his discussion heavily on effective legal writing techniques, highlighting the critical importance of the IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion) framework. He reminded participants that strong legal reasoning and the detailed application of rules to given facts are the most important parts of legal writing. In fact, strong legal reasoning can earn significant points in examinations. Furthermore, Atty. Mero emphasized the necessity of understanding both Sharia and civil law when handling conflicts of law, noting that comparative reasoning and discussing both legal systems greatly strengthen a student's legal analysis.

An engaging Open Forum followed the main lecture, where participants tackled intricate legal provisions and real-world Sharia applications. Students actively participated in the discourse, with Atty. Mero is providing expert insights:

Norhanie Saliao inquired about reconciling Article 16 of Presidential Decree (PD) 1083 with Republic Act No. 11596.

Suharto Ibay raised critical questions on the legal status of betrothal marriages among Maranao, Iranon, and Tausug communities, and discussed the recognition of Mubara’at (mutual divorce) despite its absence in PD 1083.

Raihana Jafar asked about the juristic opinions regarding the validity of three talaqs pronounced in one tuhr.

Zukarnein Shurto pointed out perceived inconsistencies with Islamic law in certain articles of PD 1083, prompting a discussion on the need for possible legislative review.

Sakinah Zamorah asked for advice on effective thinking during the Bar examination, to which Atty. Mero advised participants to think both like an objective judge and a balanced legal counsel.

Johair Mamgintay requested the speaker to share personal experiences in seeking knowledge, leading to Atty. Mero to emphasize perseverance, Tawfiq from Allah, and sincerity.

The success of this academic forum reflects the university's leadership's ongoing commitment to advancing legal education. We extend our sincere thanks to Chancellor Bai Hejira Nafertiti Limbona for her visionary support of the university's academic endeavors, and to Professor Maaroopha Abdulkadir of the Master in Law faculty, who noted the proceedings and awarded the certificate of appreciation to Atty. Mero continuously fosters an environment of rigorous academic discourse.

The seminar formally concluded with a photo opportunity and a closing prayer, leaving students with key takeaways: mastering both Sharia and civil law, combined with strong IRAC reasoning skills, is essential for future legal practitioners. The official minutes for the event were documented by Jehada Mama and Norhainie S. Saliao.