51³Ô¹ÏÍø

51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT and UMY finalize dual degree program in Filipino and Arabic Language Education

Jan 20 2026

Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT) and Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) have officially finalized talks on a dual degree program in Filipino and Arabic Language Education, marking a significant step in strengthening academic collaboration between the two institutions. 

The meeting, held on January 14, 2025, at UMY’s Faculty of Language Education (FPB) Building, brought together academic leaders and faculty members from both universities to discuss curriculum alignment, credit transfer mechanisms, and quality assurance standards.

The program will enable students to earn degrees recognized by both 51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT and UMY. 51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT was represented by Dr. Marie Joy D. Banawa, Dean of the College of Arts and Social Sciences; Assistant Dean Sittie Noffaisah Pasandalan; Dr. Danilyn Abingosa, Chairperson of the Departamento ng Filipino at Panitikan; and Senior Faculty Member Dr. Mary Ann S. Sandoval.

UMY’s delegation included Dr. Sri Rejeki Murtiningsih, Dean of the Faculty of Language Education; Dr. Fitri Zakiyah, Chair of the Department of Arabic Language Education; faculty members of the department; and officials from the Directorate of Global Partnership & Employability, Dr. Rizal Yaya and Dr. Farindira Vesti Rahmasari. 

Officials emphasized that the initiative will expand student opportunities by providing international exposure and diverse learning environments. It is also expected to serve as a model for future joint programs in language and cultural education.

51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT highlighted the program’s role in preparing graduates with strong competencies in Filipino language and literature, while UMY underscored the importance of advancing Arabic language education and fostering sustainable partnerships. As host, UMY expressed pride in facilitating the dialogue and reaffirmed Yogyakarta’s reputation as a hub of education and cultural exchange.

Prior to the in-person meeting at UMY, a series of online consultations between officials and faculty members of both universities was conducted to plan and craft the program’s curriculum.

In preparation for implementation, three students from UMY’s Department of Arabic Language Education are scheduled to arrive at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT on February 1, 2026, while ten BA Filipino students from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø-IIT will travel to Indonesia in March 2026.

The dual degree program is set to launch in the upcoming academic year, pending final approval from relevant governing bodies.

SDG 4 (Quality Education), 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

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