Marcos signs law declaring February 1 hijab awareness day

MANILA, Philippines —  President Marcos has signed into law a measure declaring Feb. 1 as the national day of awareness on hijab and other traditional garments and attire.

The declaration is contained in Republic Act No. 12224 signed by Marcos on Wednesday.

The law seeks “to promote diversity, awareness and tolerance of the various religious and cultural beliefs through the wearing of indigenous and traditional clothing, head, garments and coverings.”

It clarified that none of its provisions shall be construed as requiring the wearing or non-wearing of a particular clothing, garment or attire.

The chairpersons of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in coordination with local governments and other national government agencies are enjoined to conduct activities and programs like exhibits and symposia that promote the cultural values of wearing hijab and other traditional garments and attire.

According to the Bangsamoro website, a hijab or a veil or headscarf is a piece of clothing worn by Muslim women to cover themselves from head to feet. It serves as protection for women from the male gaze, especially from those unrelated men, the website added.