ON the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, President Rodrigo Duterte declared May 13 a regular national holiday in observance of the Eid’l Fitr that marks the end of the month of Ramadan.
In signing Presidential Proclamation 1142 Duterte cited the need to give the Muslim communities to celebrate – but not without the government-imposed minimum public health and safety protocols.
“The entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr, subject to community quarantine, social distancing, and other public health measures,” the proclamation read.
“In order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, it is necessary to declare Thursday, May 13, 2021, a regular holiday throughout the country,” the proclamation added.
Eid’l Fitr is celebrated by the Muslims for three days after the end of the month of fasting.