Institute of Islamic Studies - University of the Philippines, Diliman

15/10/2026

The UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) and the UP School of Archaeology (UPSA) participated in the Research on Bangsamoro History Phase 4: Archaeological Survey and Immersion, a project of the Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (BCPCH). The fieldwork was conducted in six municipalities in Tawi-Tawi from September 25 to October 2, 2026.

UP IIS was represented by Asst. Prof. Darwin J. Absari, a faculty member and Muslim historian, who is also a consultant to the BCPCH and who served as one of the project’s co-leads for historical research, including the mapping of historical sites and the documentation of oral histories.

According to the BCPCH, the “field research across Tawi-Tawi has documented material traces of the province’s diverse and enduring cultural heritage.” These materials and other resources are believed to provide valuable insights into the region’s Islamic and maritime past.

The UP IIS, together with UPSA, are currently finalizing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the BCPCH for the research project. This collaboration supports the Institute’s mission to highlight the role of Islam as a transformative framework for human development and civilization and to serve as a research center for scholarly engagement and knowledge production in Islamic Studies.

14/10/2026

Asst. Prof. Darwin J. Absari, faculty member and College Secretary of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS), and a scholar of Muslim history, was among the distinguished speakers at the 24th Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day International Conference.

As part of the panel on “Rethinking Opportunities for Mindanao,” Asst. Prof. Absari presented his paper, “Some Important Aspects of Philippine Muslim History in Spanish Documents.” His presentation highlighted the significance of Spanish historical documents in understanding Philippine Muslim history and deepening our appreciation of the historical experiences of Muslim communities in the Philippines.

The conference was held from October 13-14, 2026, at the Universidad de Zamboanga in Zamboanga City and hosted by the UP Department of History, in collaboration with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines.

12/10/2026

The UP IIS is accepting applications for admission for the 2nd semester of AY 2026-2027 from October 15 until November 30, 2026.

Submit the original copies of your requirements at the IIS Office of the College Secretary located at 2nd Flr. Virata Hall, ISSI Building, E. Jacinto St., University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

For inquiries and clarifications, email [email protected] or contact the IIS Student Records Evaluator (SRE) at 8981-8500 local 3583.

08/10/2026

Assoc. Prof. Nefertari A. Arsad, faculty member and Quality Assurance Officer of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, served as one of the External Quality Reviewers for the Master of Science (Geography) program of the UP Department of Geography under the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy. The external review was conducted during the 5th External Quality Review Visit organized by the UP Diliman Quality Assurance Office (UPD QAO) from September 30 to October 2, 2026, at UP Diliman.

The UPD QAO described the review as an opportunity for External Quality Reviewers to “examine the programs’ curriculum, systems, and practices, and engage with various stakeholders to gain a comprehensive view of the program” (UPD QAO, 2026).

“UP Diliman (UPD) completed the external quality assessment of three academic programs to uphold its mandate to deliver quality education.

“The external quality review visit of the Master of Science (Geography) and Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) programs under the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy and the Bachelor of Public Administration program under the National College of Public Administration and Governance officially concluded on Oct. 2.”

Read the article at https://upd.edu.ph/3-upd-programs-assessed/.

01/10/2026

The Gender and Development (GAD) Committee of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS) attended the GAD Assembly: Roles, Responsibilities, and Gender Mainstreaming, organized by the UP Diliman Gender Office (UPDGO) on October 1, 2026, at the Function Room, Bocobo Hall, College of Law, UP Diliman, Quezon City.

With the newly constituted committee, the assembly served as an orientation and capacity-building activity that introduced participants to the University’s GAD framework, the functions and responsibilities of GAD Committees, and key GAD concepts that support the effective implementation of gender-responsive programs and initiatives (UPDGO, 2026).

As an academic institution dedicated to the study of Islam, the UP IIS GAD Committee also recognizes the importance of understanding gender through both Islamic and social science perspectives. Social science helps examine gender in relation to society, culture, and institutions, while Islam offers its own perspectives on gender rooted in its religious teachings and traditions.

During the assembly, the committee members shared insights on these perspectives and the importance of engaging with differences through mutual understanding and respect. The discussion also highlighted the value of dialogue and respectful coexistence in promoting inclusivity within the University community.

The UP IIS GAD Committee is chaired by Mr. Kamaruddin Bin Alawi Mohammad, University Researcher II (UR II), with Ms. Kristine Joyce Sulla, Administrative Officer IV, as Vice Chair. Its members are Ms. Lotea Luangco, Education Research Assistant; Mr. Marlon Pervera, Administrative Assistant III; and Ms. Camille Lucille Bello, UR II. The Committee is guided by the UP IIS Dean, Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi.



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✍ : Camz Bello
📸 : Marlon Pervera

30/09/2026

Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of the University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS), was among the distinguished guests and scholars who participated in the 40th International Islamic Unity Conference held from August 27 to 30, 2026, in Tehran, Iran.

The conference seeks to “create unity and solidarity among Muslims, developing consensus among scholars and scientists to approximate their scientific and cultural viewpoints and presenting practical solutions in order to reach the Islamic Unity and Unified Islamic Ummah in the Islamic world” (Islamic Unity Conference, 2026).

Read more here: https://iis.upd.edu.ph/2026/09/30/prof-wadi-represents-up-at-40th-international-islamic-unity-conference/

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📸 : Prof. Julkipli Wadi

17/09/2026

New books have arrived at the UP IIS Library! 📖📚

Check out the latest additions to our collection and discover new resources for your reading and research needs. Follow the UP IIS Library page for more information and updates on the new collections.

16/09/2026

“Let’s help the students so that their question is not only why there is a war, but how can we maintain peace here in this place. And you know, maybe their serendipity is also there.” — Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, Dean of the UP IIS and project proponent of LIHAL.

Prof. Wadi presented the UP IIS extension project LIHAL: Library of Islamic Heritage, Arts, and Language at the Saliksik Diwa Symposium on September 15, 2026, at Aldaba Hall, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City.

LIHAL was among the featured projects at this year’s symposium, which highlights exemplary extension initiatives that reflect the University’s commitment to public service and community engagement.

The project takes its name and inspiration from the lihal, the traditional stand used to hold the Qur’an. Just as the lihal supports the Qur’an during recitation and learning, LIHAL envisions a space that supports the community’s pursuit of knowledge and the preservation of its cultural heritage.

For Prof. Wadi, the conceptualization of LIHAL was itself an experience of serendipity. What began with an unexpected encounter eventually grew into a vision for a space that would preserve and promote the rich Islamic heritage, arts, and language of the community and make them accessible to the next generation in Sulu.

Read more: https://iis.upd.edu.ph/2026/09/16/prof-wadi-shares-the-story-of-lihal-at-saliksik-diwa-2026/
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✍: Camz Bello
📸: Marlon Pervera

08/09/2026

LIHAL (Library of Islamic Heritage, Arts, and Language), an extension project of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (UP IIS), is one of the featured projects in Saliksik Diwa.

Prof. Julkipli M. Wadi, project proponent and Dean of the UP IIS, will present LIHAL on September 15, 2026, at Aldaba Hall, UP Theater Complex, University of the Philippines Diliman.

The lihal—the traditional stand used to hold the Qur’an during recitation and instruction—is more than a simple bookstand. It embodies learning, reverence, and the transmission of knowledge. This symbolism reflects LIHAL’s vision as a space where knowledge and heritage are preserved, nurtured, and passed on to future generations.

Learn more about LIHAL and register for the Saliksik Diwa presentation through the social media post below.

04/09/2026

Assoc. Prof. Nefertari A. Arsad’s policy brief, “Reviewing Contentions of Authority and Legitimacy in Philippine Halal Development Initiatives,” is among the ten curated UP CIDS publications featured for their contribution to bridging historical ideals with contemporary nation-building.

The policy brief examines the complex questions of authority and legitimacy in the development of the Philippine halal sector, while highlighting the importance of cultural inclusion, institutional recognition, and self-determination in building a more inclusive national fabric.

Read and download the publication for free.