Junior Diplomatic Corps

𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧

Today, May 12, the JDC successfully conducted a free Tabirak distribution within the college as a simple initiative of sharing and brotherhood among the students of KFCIAAS.

In the spirit of unity, generosity, and service to the community, this small gathering served as a reminder that even the simplest acts of kindness can strengthen the bonds within our college. Through moments like these, we continue to foster not only academic growth, but also the values of compassion, solidarity, and mutual care deeply rooted in our faith and identity as students.

May Allah (SWT) continue to bless our college community with unity, sincerity, and goodwill towards one another.

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗔 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗰𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗮𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲

The Department of International Relations highlights Atty. Alexander Diamla Dumpa, one of the Department’s most outstanding and excellent students during his time, whose story reflects a rare blend of academic excellence and institutional impact.

His journey is defined by moments that challenge expectations from his early days as a watermelon vendor at Tamparan Public Market to eventually rising as Commissioner of the Legal Education Board. Along the way, he consistently distinguished himself in the field of law, earning recognition as Valedictorian and Magna Cum Laude of the MSU College of Law, while also completing his undergraduate degree ahead of schedule and receiving multiple academic distinctions, including a Best Thesis Award at PUP.

What sets his path apart is not only achievement, but influence. Within the Legal Education Board, he contributed to shaping the first national policy on Law Student Welfare and Development, helping establish stronger protections and support systems for law students across the country. He also played a role in advancing the recognition of the Shari’ah academic track, strengthening representation for Bangsamoro students in legal education.

His work reflects a consistent commitment to expanding access, improving systems, and ensuring that future students operate in a more supported academic environment than before.

To many, his story is a reminder that leadership is not only about reaching positions of authority, but about reshaping the path for those who will follow.

With deep respect, we recognize his service and the legacy he continues to build in the field of law and education.

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗢𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

The Department of International Relations honors Dr. Abdulcader Maruhom Ayo, fondly known as “Dodong,” former Dean of KFCIAAS, whose journey reflects a steady rise shaped not by shortcuts, but by persistence across different fields and responsibilities.

Before becoming a key figure in academic leadership, Dr. Ayo’s path passed through demanding beginnings from work in mining fields in Saudi Arabia to eventually establishing himself in the academic and institutional landscape of Mindanao State University. This breadth of experience has shaped a leadership style grounded in discipline, adaptability, and service.

As an educator, he continues to teach Islamic Jurisprudence while also serving in high-level administrative and national legal functions, including his role as examiner for the Supreme Court of the Philippines and as Executive Vice President of the MSU System. His work in advancing institutional direction, particularly through MSU’s 9-Point Agenda, reflects a consistent commitment to strengthening educational systems from within.

During his time as Dean of KFCIAAS, he was deeply appreciated by the students for his leadership, accessibility, and sincere dedication to the college community, leaving behind a service that many continue to look back on with respect and gratitude.

Across all his roles, he remains grounded in family and faith, reminding many that leadership is not only measured by position, but by stability in one’s principles.

As students of the department, we extend our deepest respect and gratitude for his service. Saludo po kami sa inyo, Dr. Ayo.

𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗧!!

After a day of active participation, careful counting, and dedicated service from all involved, the JDC Election for A.Y. 2026–2027 has officially concluded.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all candidates who stepped forward with the courage and willingness to serve the Department of International Relations. Whether elected or not, your effort, dedication, and commitment to leadership are truly commendable.

We also acknowledge the JDC Officers, together with the ISSA as the COMELEC, for ensuring that the entire electoral process was conducted in a fair, transparent, and orderly manner. Your guidance and supervision helped uphold the integrity of the election.

Through collective effort, discipline, and respect for due process, the election has reached its successful conclusion.

With this, we proudly congratulate both the newly elected officers and all candidates who took part in this journey. May those who were elected lead with integrity and responsibility, and may those who were not continue to serve and inspire in their own ways within the department.

As we move forward, may we be guided by principles of justice, sincerity, and service to others. In the spirit of diplomacy and unity, may our actions continue to reflect respect, peace, and mutual understanding among all members of the department.

And as we are reminded in our shared values, “Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.” (Qur’an 4:58)

Thank you to everyone who participated in making this election a success.

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | 𝗗𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗹: 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁

Inspired by Casino Royale, this year’s Diplomatic Ball sets the tone for a night of elegance, class, and refined presence.

The Royal Elite Night brings together students in a setting where formality meets connection, creating moments that reflect both celebration and reflection—especially for the graduating seniors as they take part in one of their final gatherings.

The event will also feature palanca letters, where juniors are given the opportunity to write and personally share their messages and appreciation for the graduating seniors, adding a meaningful touch to the evening.

📅 May 16, 2026

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗲 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲
As the JDC Elections approach, the candidates step forward to present themselves, their platforms, and their vision for the Department of International Relations.

The Miting de Avance serves as a vital part of the electoral process, providing students the opportunity to listen, observe, and better understand the direction each candidate aims to take. It is a space where ideas are shared, plans are laid out, and leadership is put into perspective.

Through this, students are given the chance to make informed decisions, grounded on the candidates’ principles, goals, and readiness to serve the department. It also fosters a sense of accountability, as candidates openly present themselves before their fellow students.

Engagement in this event allows everyone to be more aware, involved, and responsible in choosing the next set of leaders who will represent the department.

📅 May 06, 2026
🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Al-Farouki Hall, KFCIAAS

Your presence matters. Be part of the process and take part in shaping the future of the department.

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀

As the upcoming JDC Elections draw near, we present the participating groups and candidates for this year.

The Tindig Partylist stands as an organized group carrying a shared vision and collective platform for the department. Alongside them are five independent candidates, collectively referred to as the Apex Partylist, representing individual initiative while coming together under a unified identity.

Whether as part of a partylist or as independent candidates, each has stepped forward with the intent to lead, serve, and contribute to the growth of the Department of International Relations.

As the election approaches, we encourage everyone to take time to learn about the candidates, understand their platforms, and participate responsibly in the electoral process.

May this election reflect unity, respect, and the collective voice of the department.

𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 | 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀

The official list of candidates for the upcoming JDC Elections is hereby released.

These individuals have taken the step to file their candidacy, demonstrating their willingness to serve, lead, and represent the Department of International Relations. Their decision to run reflects a commitment to responsibility, initiative, and active participation in student leadership.

Each candidate now carries the responsibility of presenting their platforms, engaging with their fellow students, and upholding the values of integrity, accountability, and service throughout the election period.

As the election approaches, all students are encouraged to stay informed, listen carefully, and participate responsibly in the electoral process. Your vote plays an important role in shaping the direction of the department and selecting the next set of student leaders.

May this election be guided by fairness, respect, and the collective trust of the department.

𝐁𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐡, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬
‎(قَدَرَالله وَمَا شَآءَ فَعَل)

A 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 on the 𝙐𝙣𝙛𝙪𝙡𝙛𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙙 𝙅𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙨𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙈𝙎𝙐 𝙆𝙁𝘾𝙄𝘼𝘼𝙎 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 𝙩𝙤 𝙁𝙖𝙠𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙨 𝙄𝙡𝙢𝙪 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙖𝙣 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙠 (𝙁𝙄𝙎𝙄𝙋) 𝙞𝙣 𝙐𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙨 𝙋𝙖𝙙𝙟𝙖𝙙𝙟𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣 (𝙐𝙉𝙋𝘼𝘿), 𝙄𝙣𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙖.

The exchange program form as part of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) duly signed by the respective Presidents and Rectors of the universities, as well as the Deans of King Faisal Center for Islamic, Arabic and Asian Studies at Mindanao State University (MSU) – Main Campus, Marawi City, Philippines and Fakultas Ilmu Social dan Politik (FISIP) in Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD), Indonesia.

This initiative was meticulously designed as a platform for academic engagement, regional cooperation, and cross-cultural exchange—embodying the shared commitment of both institutions to cultivate globally competent and diplomatically oriented students. Having been developed over several years, it represents a meaningful milestone in the advancement of academic and institutional collaboration. The program was scheduled to be held from 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟭𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹 𝟮𝟳, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

However, due to unavoidable circumstances, including the ongoing energy crisis affecting the republic, the participation of the eight selected student delegates 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱 as scheduled. It is in accordance with Memorandum Circular No. 114, which limits official travel to functions deemed “essential and indispensable.”

This development has precluded eight outstanding International Relations students of MSU – Main Campus of a rare and meaningful opportunity to serve as goodwill ambassadors of the University in the international arena.
The student body of the Department of International Relations, including the eight selected student delegates, fully acknowledges and respects the importance of adhering to established policies and administrative guidelines. At the same time, it respectfully underscores that academic exchange initiatives of this nature play a vital role in the field of International Relations, where meaningful learning is enriched through direct engagement, dialogue, and intercultural experience.

The cancellation of the travel has had implications beyond logistical arrangements, significantly affecting valuable academic opportunities particularly for the selected student delegates who were poised to represent both MSU and the Philippines in an international academic setting.

We remain committed to our institutional partnership with Universitas Padjadjaran, anchored in existing Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) and Memoranda of Agreement (MOA). In this regard, we extend our sincere appreciation to our counterparts at Fakultas Ilmu Social dan Politik (FISIP) in Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD), Indonesia for their understanding and continued goodwill. We remain hopeful that future collaborative engagements will proceed with stronger alignment between academic objectives and administrative processes.

The delegates likewise wish to express their profound and heartfelt gratitude to the individuals:

To 𝗠𝗦𝗨 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (Office of the President) Atty. Paisalin P.D. Tago, CPA and Office of the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (Dr. Minerva-Saminah M. Naga) for their initial approval and support;

𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗝𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗔. 𝗔𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗮𝗵𝗺𝗮𝗻, for his constant encouragement, and firm belief in the value of academic engagement beyond borders;

𝗗𝗿. 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗠. 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗻, Chairperson of the Department of International Relations, for his advocacy in advancing academic opportunities;

𝗗𝗿. 𝗝𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗥. 𝗔𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗹, Program Focal Person, for his dedication, perseverance, and hands-on efforts in conceptualizing, coordinating, and bringing this initiative to fruition;

𝗛𝗼𝗻. 𝗠𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 “𝗕𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝘁” 𝗔. 𝗔𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝗝𝗿. , Provincial Governor of Lanao del Sur, for his generous financial assistance and meaningful support extended to the student delegates;

𝗠𝗣 𝗔𝘁𝘁𝘆. 𝗔𝗹𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗺 𝗧. 𝗠𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 of the Bangsamoro Parliament, for his openness, generosity, and support upon reviewing the concept proposal.

Their collective support reflects a shared commitment to empowering students, fostering academic excellence, and promoting meaningful international engagement.

To our 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀, particularly those selected to participate, we acknowledge your dedication and share in your disappointment. Your preparedness to represent both the University and the nation embodies the very ideals this program was intended to nurture.

While this development is regrettable, it does not in any way diminish our shared commitment to academic excellence, international engagement, and the pursuit of meaningful global partnerships.
The student body remain optimistic that this is not conclusion, but rather a temporary setback in what continues to be a promising and enduring collaboration.

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗺: Today would have been the scheduled return home of the student delegates after the exchange program, along with the experiences and learning that were meant to come with the mobility.

𝗝𝗗𝗖 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 | 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗙 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗖𝗬

As the second semester comes to an end and a new academic year approaches, the time has arrived to choose the next set of student leaders who will serve the Department of International Relations through the Junior Diplomatic Corps.

The Junior Diplomatic Corps has long been a symbol of leadership, service, and representation within the department. It continues to uphold the voice of International Relations students through initiatives, programs, and activities that strengthen unity, growth, and student participation.

Students who aspire to lead and serve are hereby encouraged to file their candidacy for the upcoming JDC Elections.

𝗙𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗰𝘆
📅 April 22 – April 30, 2026
⏰ Deadline of Submission: April 30, 2026

𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
• Certificate of Candidacy
• Current Certificate of Registration (COR)
• Evaluation Sheet
• Latest Formal 2x2 Picture
• Letter of Intent

Place all required documents inside a long brown envelope and write your full name at the back of the envelope.

𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼:
📍 JDC Office

𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲
📅 May 7, 2026

Step forward, lead with purpose, and be part of the next chapter of the Junior Diplomatic Corps.