NCMF, Muslim students urge: Permit hijab use
LANAO DEL NORTE — Muslim student groups and the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) are calling on the administration of Iligan Medical Center College (IMCC) to repeal institutional policies that require female Muslim students to remove their hijab during academic and clinical activities.
The issue escalated Monday after the Muslim Medical Students Association revealed that the NCMF formally referred the matter to the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) last 4 November.
Student leaders contend that current IMCC regulations force female Muslim students to remove their headscarves during clinical rotations, capping ceremonies, and other mandatory requirements —compelling them to choose between their education and religious obligations.
“It is not simply about clothing. It is about religious freedom and human dignity,” student representatives said in a joint statement. “When a student must set aside her faith to graduate, that is no longer an educational requirement — it is a barrier to equal opportunity.”
The hijab, an Islamic head covering, is an expression of religious faith, modesty, and personal dignity observed by Muslim women. Freedom of religious expression is protected under the 1987 Philippine Constitution and supported by CHEd directives promoting inclusive educational environments.
Student advocacy groups cited that while transferring remains a viable alternative, students should not face institutional barriers due to religious attire. The groups identified alternative institutions in the region that accommodate Islamic dress codes, including Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Adventist Medical Center College, Iligan Capitol College, St. Peter’s College and Mindanao State University’s main campus in Marawi City.
Student leaders clarified that their campaign targets the restrictive policy rather than the institution itself.
“We are not against the school. We are against a policy that says a diploma costs your identity,” student representatives said. “We will return when the hijab is respected. Until then, we will go where we are welcomed as we are.”
The NCMF’s submission to CHEd marks the first formal government intervention in the dispute. The IMCC administration has not yet issued a public response regarding calls for a written policy accommodating the hijab in clinical and academic settings.