House OKs bill declaring National Hijab Day

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives approved on second reading on Wednesday a bill seeking to declare Feb. 1 as National Hijab Day.

House Bill 5693 sponsored by Representatives Bai Dimple Mastura of the first district of Maguindanao, Mujiv Hataman of Basilan and Mohamad Khallido Dimaporo of the first district of Lanao del Norte also seeks to promote an understanding of the Muslim tradition of wearing hijab.

The bill aims to encourage Muslim and non-Muslim women to wear hijab and to ”experience the virtue in wearing it.”

It seeks to remove misconceptions on wearing hijab as a symbol of oppression, terrorism and lack of freedom.

The proponents of the measure said the bill aims to promote and deepen understanding among non-Muslims on the value of wearing a hijab as an act of modesty and dignity of Muslim women.

Under the bill, government institutions, schools and the private sector shall be encouraged to observe National Hijab Day “in a manner that promotes understanding and awareness among its employees and students.”