July 6 declared holiday for Eid al-Fitr

PRESIDENT Duterte on Monday declared July 6 a regular holiday in observance of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The President signed Proclamation No. 6 to provide the “entire Filipino nation… the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eid al-Fitr.”

“In order to bring the religious and cultural significance of Eid al-Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, it is necessary to declare (July 6) a regular holiday throughout the country,” Mr. Duterte’s order said.

Eid al-Fitr, celebrated during the conclusion of the dawn-to-sunset daily fasting by Muslims, is traditionally set by the moonrise in Sawwal, the 10th of the 12-month lunar calendar.

It is also considered one of the most important holidays in the Muslim faith.

In the Philippines, worshippers usually wear their native Islamic attire and come together for the morning prayers in mosques. Marlon Ramos