KSA praised for its Arabic and Islamic center in Philippines

RIYADH: The second largest university in the Philippines, with 11 campuses in various cities in Mindanao, expressed its gratitude to the Saudi government for establishing the King Faisal Center for Arabic and Islamic Studies (KFCAIS) at Mindanao State University (MSU).
MSU houses over 10,000 students on the main campus of the university in Marawi, where more than 40 percent are Muslims.
In an exclusive interview at his office in Marawi, MSU System President Dr. Habib W. Macaayong said his university is ready to receive Saudi students and provide well-educated and trained manpower to Saudi Arabia.
“We are very thankful to Saudi Arabia for establishing KFCAIS that has been operational since 1974. It offers courses in Arabic, Islamic studies and international relations in addition to a master of arts in Shariah,” Macaayong told Arab News.
MSU, he said, can provide skilled manpower to Saudi Arabia for its medical graduates, nursing and other health services programs. He said they are competent in information and communications technology.
MSU is now preparing itself for global competitiveness in order to admit overseas students, including those from the Middle East.
He said: “Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the Philippine expressed his willingness to fund medical buildings that will cater to health services for the people of Mindanao,” the MSU head said, referring to his recent meeting with the Saudi ambassador.
He said, “my administration works to upgrade the university’s contribution to regional and community development to meet the requirements of its constituents.”
MSU was launched in 1961 for the people, especially the Muslims of Mindanao, to give them an opportunity to participate in the political process and socioeconomic development.