Pagdadalumat ng Pagkatao: Intersectionality, Praxis, and the Negotiation of Muslim Identity in the Philippines

Muslim Filipino identity is dynamic and ever-evolving, shaped by historical, political, social, and diasporic forces. It remains entangled with colonial legacies, marginalization, and persistent othering. Historically, Muslims in the Philippines have struggled to identify with the state; in the 1980s, “Filipino” was their least preferred nationality. In today’s globalized world, the transnational nature of Muslim identity often outweighs national affiliations, reinforcing its fluidity and complexity. Thus, this study analyzes the changes and current constructs of Muslim Filipino identity in contemporary Filipino society. The study employed a qualitative research design to explore the lived experiences of ten (10) purposively selected participants—five Muslim and five non-Muslim. While the sample size is limited, it aligns with the qualitative research emphasis on depth over breadth, allowing for rich, contextual insights into their experiences. The indigenous method of pakikipagkwentuhan was used to gather data. Thematic analysis was conducted in a deductive manner based on the lens of Covar’s Pagkataong Pilipino. The analysis of data revealed the following major themes: Muslim Filipino resilience and resistance; Fluidity of Muslim Filipino identity; Challenging narratives on Muslim Filipinos; Muslim Filipinos on the duality of political and Islamic identities; Muslim Filipinos as citizens and as part of the greater ummah; and Muslim Filipino Identity in the continuum of struggle and healing. Although limited in scope, the study emphasizes the significance of political, cultural, and historical consciousness in shaping Muslim Filipino identity.