Aquino declared September 10 regular holiday
Posted on September 3rd, 2010
To join our Muslim brothers in the celebration of Eid’l Fitr, the last day of Ramadan, President Noynoy Aquino declared September 10, Friday, a regular holiday in the country by virtue of Proclamation No. 26 which he signed last Thursday.
“To promote cultural understanding and integration, the entire Filipino should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr,” as written in the proclamation.
It also added, “In order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of the national consciousness, it is necessary to declare Friday, September 10, 2010, as a regular holiday throughout the country.”
The Eid’l Fitr is an Islamic festival of renewal, reconciliation and peace, which marks the end of the holy month of fasting. It was declared as one of the regular holidays in the country based on the Republic Act No. 9177, which also states that “the Muslim world celebrates the Eid’l Fitr for three days after the end of the month of fasting.” It was noted that for this year, Eid’l Fitr would fall on Friday, September 10. The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos earlier recommended to Malacañang the declaration of the said date as a holiday.
Marawi Bishop Edwin dela Pena, meanwhile, said he will join three Muslim non-government organizations (NGOs) in distributing food and gifts to prisoners in the provincial and city jail on Tuesday, September 7. He said, “This is to show them that we Christians are sympathizing with them. We will give the food in the evening because they don’t eat in the morning.”
Dela Pena also noted the food distribution program coincides with the Feast of the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “The Maranaos also have high regards for Mama Mary, so we want her to serve as a brigade for unity,” he added.
