MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared October 1 a regular holiday in solidarity with the Islamic community that would be celebrating the Eid'l Fitr, or the end of Ramadan on that day.

Arroyo issued the directive under Proclamation number 1625, dated
September 19, but was released by Malacañang on Monday.

"In order to bring the religious and cultural significance of Eid'l
Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, it is necessary to declare Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008, as a regular holiday throughout the country," the proclamation read.

The Islamic community celebrates Eid'l Fitr, three days after the end of the holy month of Ramadan, which started this year on September 1.

During Ramadan, Arroyo ordered military troops running after Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces in central Mindanao to exercise restraint, to allow the Muslim community to observe the holy month.