Eid’l Fitr declared a holiday

Secretary Edwin Lacierda INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III has issued Proclamation No. 629 declaring Aug. 9, a Friday, a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadan).

This brings to three the number of public holidays in August.

Aug. 26 is National Heroes Day, a regular holiday, and Aug. 21 is Ninoy Aquino Day in honor of the President’s late father, a special nonworking holiday.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda made the announcement in a briefing in Malacañang.

“So for those who have been asking us whether Aug. 9 is a holiday, yes it is by virtue of Proclamation No. 629,” he said.

Mr. Aquino issued the proclamation in line with Republic Act No. 9177 which declares that Eid’l Fitr, or the Feast of Ramadan, is a regular holiday throughout the country.

The feast is celebrated by the Muslim world for three days after the end of the month of fasting.

In Islam, Ramadan is observed on the ninth month of the Muslim calendar.

During the month, Muslims observe a strict fasting for a period of 12 hours daily, from sunrise to sunset.

It is also a month of sacrifice and purification, with Muslims fasting, praying and acting with kindness toward the poor.

“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,” the President said.