MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / July 14, 2014) – Philippine President Benigno Aquino has declared July 29 a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of this year’s Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadhan.
Aquino signed Proclamation 826 last week to bring the religious and cultural significance of Eid’l Fitr, the first day marking the end of the 30-day fasting period of Muslims, to the fore of national consciousness.
“To promote cultural understanding and integration, the entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr,” Aquino said in the proclamation.
Eid’l Fitr, an Arabic word which means “festival of breaking of the fast,” is an important holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide for three days after the end of Ramadhan, or the Islamic holy month of fasting.
The occasion has always been recognized by the Philippine government by virtue of Republic Act No. 9177, enacted by the 12th Congress in 2002, in deference to the Filipino Muslim community and to promote peace and harmony among major religions in the Philippines.
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