Aug 9 a regular holiday to mark end of Ramadan: Palace

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III has declared August 9 as a regular holiday in observance of the end of Ramadan or Eid'l Fitr.

Aquino signed on Thursday Proclamation No. 629, which declares the regular holiday throughout the country "to promote cultural understanding and integration."

The proclamation said 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.

"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 Friday, 9 August 2013, as a regular holiday throughout the country," the proclamation said.

Eid’l Fitr is celebrated by Muslims for three days after the end of the month of fasting.

The proclamation said the Eid’l Fitr Prayer shall be performed depending on the result of the moon-sighting activity on August 7.