International Conference on Multidisciplinary Filipino Studies 2026

Aloha and Mabuhay!

Welcome to the International Conference on Multidisciplinary Filipino Studies 2026!

The University of Hawaii at Hilo established the academic program, Filipino Studies, that focuses on the comprehensive study of the Filipinos in the Philippines, Hawaii, Mainland USA, and in the diaspora. As a multidisciplinary program, it encompasses the disciplines that are reflective of the Filipino society, its foundations, its role in the region, and its contribution to the world. Emphasizing on the experiences of the Filipinos, the fields of study in this program’s conference are inclusive of agriculture, anthropology, arts, economics, education, government, health sciences, language, linguistics, literature, migration, music, politics, and religious studies.

Conference Objectives

1. To foster collaboration and scholarly exchange among the local, regional, and international scholars, practitioners, students, policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders.
2. To provide a platform for a meaningful dialog and deeper understanding of the major issues, events, and other processes related to the Filipinos.
3. To establish a legacy of scholarship on the Filipinos in the Philippines and the diaspora.

Abstract Guidelines

Aiming at the theory and praxis of its multidisciplinary nature, the Filipino Studies Program has envisioned for this international conference the coming together of the students, teachers, scholars, academics, administrators, policy makers, and other interested parties. Abstracts are invited for submission. Related to the Filipinos and the Philippines, the topics include, but not limited to:

1. Agricultural sciences, food security, and sustainability
2. Business, economics, trade, and commerce
3. Cultural studies, heritage, and indigenous knowledge
4. Education, language policy, and ESL
5. Filipino/Philippine languages, linguistics, and literature
6. Health sciences and medicine
7. Issues on poverty, inequality, and social responsibility
8. Migration and diaspora
9. Politics, government, and regional integration
10. Religious studies and interreligious dialogues

Notification of acceptance for this final call will be sent by October 31, 2026.

Confirmed Speakers

1. Norman Arancon, University of Hawaii at Hilo, Hawaii, USA
2. Isnira Baginda, Mindanao State University-General Santos City
3. Winnie Batoon, Department of Education, Philippines
4. Karl Ian Cheng Chua, University of the Philippines Diliman
5. Hanafi Hussin, University of Malaya, Malaysia
6. Guy Emerson Mount, Wake Forest University, North Carolina, USA
7. Naonori Nagaya, University of Tokyo
8. Michael Tanangkingsing, National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan
9. Ederson delos Trino Tapia, Vice President for Academic Affairs, University of Makati

Travel, Accommodation, and Visa

Entering the Philippines can be either through Manila or Cebu with connecting flights to Davao International Airport. We advise that you book directly through the airline websites or your trusted travel agencies.

As the vibrant capital of Mindanao, Davao City offers various forms of accommodation from budget to high end. Please work with your trusted travel agencies.

ICMFS does not sponsor any visa to the Philippines. Kindly consult the local Philippine embassy in your country of residence.