Members unveil plans for next school year
By Lysander Tiu
To promote Islamic education and awareness, the Silliman University Islamic Association-Keepers of Allah’s Love: Islamic Neighborhood from Around the World (SUIA-KALINAW) laid out its plans for its first year as a newly-recognized student organization.
The SU Student Organizations and Activities Division (SOAD), through its head Abe Cadeliña, formally acknowledged the association last April 15, two years after its formation in 2023.
Present during the meeting were SUIA-KALINAW President Yusuf Abdullah Zamora and officer candidate Zayed Mohammed.
According to Zamora, the organization aims to conduct initiatives that will help the university understand Islamic holidays.
“SU failed to recognize the proper date of Eid-ul-Fitr […] We have plans for Islamic Week Awareness month or something similar to help break the stereotypes associated with us,” he shared.
In a Facebook post, the association stated that it will fully function in the next school year 2025-2026 under its new set of officers.
In its first year, Zamora said that the organization plans to continue its role in the interfaith community by “educating and breaking the stereotypes of Islamic beliefs.”
“This organization will do as our predecessors have done—being the voice and support of Muslims in the university, to support other religious minorities and in assisting their recognition, such as their holidays and their concerns,” he said.
Mohammed shared that next year’s officers plan to bring changes that will “increase inclusivity across campus,” particularly concerning dietary needs.
“The SU Cafeteria, for example, is in dire need of Halal and Kosher certification, something that has been advocated for by previous Muslim organizations like the Muslim Federation but remains unresolved,” he said.
Association history
SUIA-KALINAW, originally called “One Ummah,” was founded in 2023 by Simranjit Kaur Mago, Nurshema Upi, Saif Nunez Carpizo, and Aisha Therese with assistance from Moses Joshua Atega.
The organization was a continuation of the former Muslim Students Federation that ended during the pandemic.
Zamora then gathered Sillimanian Muslim students and laid the foundations of the organization with the help of the Fine Arts Department and Religion and Peace Studies Department.
SUIA-KALINAW was also recognized by the Masjidus Salaam Organization and the Dumaguete City Islamic Info.
Challenges in gaining recognition
Meanwhile, Mohammed shared that SUIA-KALINAW also faced numerous challenges, particularly with the SU administration, which maintained its “ conservative Christian stance.”
He said that the core intention and purpose of the organization were “often misunderstood,” particularly when it came to representing religious minorities.
“While the paperwork and formalities were relatively simple, the real hurdle was carving out an identity within the Silliman University community,” he explained.
Zamora also mentioned that the limited manpower and availability of members further posed a challenge in pushing activities for SUIA-KALINAW.
As of this year, SUIA-KALINAW hosted lectures with Masjidus Salaam and participated in the RPSD interfaith community.
