Duterte declares June 5 as regular holiday for Eid’l Fitr

CEBU, Philippines — As the Muslim community marks the end of Ramadan, Malacañang announced the suspension of classes and work nationwide on June 5 for Eid’l Fitr.

The regular holiday was declared by President Rodrigo Duterte through Proclamation No. 729 signed Tuesday and released by the Malacañang on Wednesday.

“The entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in observance and celebration of Eid’l Ftr,” the proclamation read.

The President said it was necessary to declare the holiday “to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness.”

The regular holiday was recommended by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

Eid’l Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim world three days after the month-long Ramadan fasting.

In 2002, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo proclaimed Eid’l Fitr a national holiday to promote compassion and peace among the various religions in the Philippines.

Republic Act 9177 declares the first day of Shawwal, the 10th month of the Islamic calendar, a regular holiday across the country, in observance of Eid’l Fitr.

The law states that the “approximate date of these Islamic holidays may be determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient.”

Moreover, the Department of Labor and Employment has still to issue pay rules for this regular holiday. (FREEMAN)