Institute of Islamic Studies - University of the Philippines, Diliman

IN PHOTOS | Lecture on “Historical Turning Points on the Road to National Integration” by anthropology expert Dr. Eric Casiño

The UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) hosted a lecture by renowned anthropologist Dr. Eric Casiño on the historical challenges and responses to ethnic diversity in the Philippines, with particular focus on Muslim communities and the country's efforts toward national integration.

In his presentation, Dr. Casiño underscored the importance of cultural sharing and mutual understanding in fostering national unity, highlighting the vital role of the UP IIS in promoting dialogue and engagement within a pluralistic society.

The lecture examined the evolution of Philippine policies and institutions addressing ethnic diversity, tracing developments from early assimilation initiatives to approaches centered on cultural recognition, autonomy, and inclusive nation-building. Dr. Casiño discussed key historical milestones, including the Philippine Autonomy Act, the establishment of the Bureau of Non-Christian Tribes, and the creation of academic and cultural institutions such as the Institute of Islamic Studies.

The lecture was organized in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage–BARMM in support of Administrative Order No. 10, also known as “Constituting a National Steering Committee for the Commemoration of the 650th Anniversary of Philippine Muslim History and Heritage,” with the NHCP serving as Chairperson.

Read more here: https://iis.upd.edu.ph/2026/06/16/up-iis-hosts-lecture-on-historical-turning-points-in-philippine-national-integration/?preview_id=49029&preview_nonce=e4f586e53f&preview=true

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📸: Marlon Pervera

The UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) extends its sincere appreciation to the Supreme Student Council (SSC) of the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) for their courtesy visit on June 6, 2026. As part of IPSJ’s commitment to excellence in community service and through its Hadiat Al Hubi (Gift of Love) program, the student leaders donated copies of the Holy Qur’an, prayer mats, and tasbih to the Institute in support of promoting Islamic learning and da’wah among students.

Mr. Abdel-Rahman A. Alfad, Chairman of the IPSJ Board of Trustees, shared that this marks the first time the SSC has implemented its book drive project in the Philippines. The initiative also provides an opportunity for student leaders to reconnect with their roots, experience local culture, and gain firsthand insight into the educational realities faced by schools in the Philippines. As part of their outreach activities, the students already went to schools in Balayan Batangas and will likewise conduct book drives in schools in Sulu. Mr. Alfad emphasized that the project reflects IPSJ’s commitment to inspiring students to excel not only academically but also in humanitarian and community-centered endeavors.

Dean Julkipli M. Wadi expressed his appreciation for the book drive initiative, noting its relevance to the needs of schools in Jolo, where educational resources remain limited. Reflecting on his own experiences as a student from grade school through high school, he recalled how books were shared among students and loaned out each academic year. Many of these books were already worn and dilapidated, yet they had to be returned at the end of the school year so that succeeding batches of students could use them. Dean Wadi explained that these experiences continue to inspire the UP IIS in its efforts to establish a community library in Jolo through one of its extension projects. The initiative aims to provide future generations with greater access to reading materials and opportunities for learning beyond the classroom.

In addition to the book drive, the IPSJ SSC conducted a benchmarking activity on the academic programs and initiatives of the UP IIS to help strengthen IPSJ’s Tarbiyyah and Islamic Values Program. Following the discussions, Dean Wadi toured the SSC officers, together with Mr. Alfad, teacher-advisers, and several parents, around the UP Diliman campus. The visit concluded with an ocular inspection of the construction site of the New Institute of Islamic Studies Complex.

The UP Institute of Islamic Studies, in partnership with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage–BARMM warmly invites everyone to “Historical Turning Points on the Road to National Integration,” by Anthropology expert, Dr. Eric Casiño, on June 15, 2026, 9:00 am–12:00 nn, at Room 300, Virata Hall, Institute of Small-Scale Industries, UP Diliman. Register and join us by answering the registration form: https://bit.ly/4ob0vXG or by scanning the QR Code.

About the Speaker:

Dr. Eric S. Casiño is a Filipino anthropologist who has conducted extensive fieldwork among the Jama Mapun of Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi and various indigenous communities in the southern Philippines. He holds a Ph.D. in Social Anthropology. His publications include The Anthropology of Christianity and Islam in the Philippines: A Bipolar Approach to Diversity (1975); The Jama Mapun: A Changing Samal Society in the Southern Philippines (1976); The Philippines: Lands and Peoples: A Cultural Geography (1982); and Mindanao Statecraft and Ecology: Moros, Lumads and Settlers Across the Lowland-highland Continuum (2000).

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Caption & pubmat by Margarett Manalastas

The UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) took part in the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) for the research project Integrating ASEAN Islamic Finance through Academic Collaboration and Knowledge Transformation (IMPACT) held on 13 May 2026 via Zoom.

The initiative, led by the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation in Economics under INCEIF University, seeks to map and assess the current landscape of Islamic economics and finance education across selected universities in the ASEAN region. It also aims to identify strengths and gaps in existing academic programs while exploring opportunities for regional collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in Islamic economics and finance across ASEAN institutions.

Read more here: https://iis.upd.edu.ph/2026/05/14/up-iis-joins-regional-fgd-on-islamic-finance-education-under-impact-project/

Faculty members, staff, and students of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS) attended the Gender Sensitivity Training and Orientation on the Anti-Sexual Harassment Code held on May 29, 2026, at Room 302, Virata Hall, UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

The training sessions were facilitated by Mx. Cid Manalo of the UP Diliman Gender Office and Mx. Janet de Leon of the UP Diliman Office of Anti-Sexual Harassment. The lectures provided IIS personnel with important insights into gender sensitivity, gender-responsive workplace practices, and institutional mechanisms and policies related to the 2017 UP Anti-Sexual Harassment Code.

The activity aimed to strengthen awareness and understanding of gender sensitivity, promote gender equality, and reinforce institutional policies against sexual harassment in order to foster a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment within the University.

The training also became an avenue for IIS participants to highlight the importance of understanding gender within the context of Islam and to explore points of convergence where differences and nuances may lead to mutual understanding, respect, tolerance, and meaningful coexistence.
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📸: Marlon Pervera

The UP Institute of Small-Scale Industries (ISSI) is conducting a study on how women micro-entrepreneurs in Muslim communities use digital tools to grow and sustain their businesses, as well as the factors that influence their digital entrepreneurship journey.

If you are a woman micro-entrepreneur living in a Muslim community, we invite you to support this research by participating in the survey.

For more information, please see the UP ISSI post below:

Women micro-entrepreneurs in Muslim Communities - we want to hear from you!

The UP Institute for Small-Scale Industries is doing a study on how women micro-entrepreneurs in Muslim communities are using digital tools to grow their businesses — and the factors that shape that journey.

Who can join?
✔️ 18+
✔️ Women micro-entrepreneurs
✔️ Living in Muslim communities

Take the survey 👉 bit.ly/WomenandTech2026 Questions? 📩 [email protected]

To thank you for your time, we'll be sending a small communication token via GCash to everyone who completes the survey.

DOWNLOAD FOR FREE

𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐦 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐬
By Darwin J. Absari & Camille Lucille A. Bello
Download here: https://cids.up.edu.ph/.../halal-accessibility-muslim.../

𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
By Maria Zain G. Daclis
Download here: https://cids.up.edu.ph/.../halal-compliance-philippine.../

These publications contribute to ongoing discussions on halal governance, religious accommodation, and inclusive policies in Philippine correctional and security institutions.

As part of the annual tradition and extension program of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS), around 800 Muslims from different areas in Metro Manila gathered for this year’s Eid’l Adha congregational prayer held on May 27, 2026, at the Ang Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of the UP IIS, delivered the khutbah (sermon), reflecting on Arafah as the heart of Hajj and a profound day of witnessing the greatness and sovereignty of Allah (SWT). He emphasized its deep spiritual meaning as the place where Adam (AS) and Hawa were reunited on earth, marking both a beginning of human history and a powerful reminder of faith, return, and divine mercy. Because of its immense significance, Arafah becomes the moment where every pilgrim stands in sincere witness--turning wholly to Allah in prayer, seeking His boundless mercy and forgiveness.

Eid Mubarak 🌙🕌

Read more: https://iis.upd.edu.ph/2026/05/28/a-day-of-witnessing-and-renewal-up-iis-commemorates-eid-al-adha-1447h/
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📸: Marlon Pervera

UP IIS successfully concluded the UP-RAISS Shari’ah Review 2026, marking its second year of providing intensive academic preparation for aspiring Shari’ah practitioners. Conducted every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from January 16 to May 17, 2026, the program served as an extension initiative aimed at strengthening participants’ readiness for the Shari’ah Bar Examinations scheduled on May 24 and 27, 2026.

The review covered key areas of Shari’ah law, including legal ethics, jurisprudence, family relations, Islamic banking and finance, succession, and Shari’ah court procedures, alongside legal writing and coaching sessions.

Facilitated by experienced practitioners and lecturers, the online program accommodated 187 participants and provided accessible, flexible learning support through recorded lectures and review materials.

To all Shari’ah Bar examinees, we wish you the best of luck.

Wa billahi tawfiq wal hidayah.

Read more: https://iis.upd.edu.ph/2026/05/19/up-iis-concludes-shariah-bar-review-2026/

Salaam.

The UP Institute of Islamic Studies warmly invites our Muslim brothers and sisters to join us in the congregational prayer for Eid’l Adha. As part of the Institute’s continuing tradition and community extension program, the prayer will be held on May 27, 2026 (Wednesday), 6:00 AM, at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

As we gather in worship and thanksgiving, may this blessed occasion deepen our faith, strengthen our sense of community, and remind us of the values of sacrifice, compassion, generosity, and unity embodied in Eid’l Adha. May Allah (SWT) accept our prayers and sacrifices, and shower His mercy and blessings upon us all.

Kindly bring your own sajada (prayer mat).

Eid Mubarak!