MANILA, 15 May — In hopes of strengthening the bond between Muslims and non-Muslims in the country, seven senators yesterday filed a bill declaring Eid Al-Fitr a national holiday.
Eid Al-Fitr was recognized as a national holiday for the first time last year when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared Monday, Dec. 17, a special non-working day to mark the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
The Feast of Ramadan, or Eid Al-Fitr, fell on Dec. 16, Sunday, last year.
In filing the bill, the senators said they wanted the holiday to be a permanent part of the national special days.
"Although our country is predominantly Christian, it is but fitting to give proper recognition to the important festivals celebrated by our Muslim brothers," Sen. Edgardo Angara said in co-authoring and sponsoring Senate Bill 2026.
Angara's co-authors were Sens. Juan Flavier, Loren Legarda, Manuel Villar, Ramon Magsaysay, Gregorio Honasan and Noli de Castro.
Angara said the declaration of this festival as a national holiday is significant because it will promote a deeper appreciation and respect for distinct Muslim religious heritage.
"This is a dramatic step toward building a more peaceful and harmonious relationship between Muslim and Christian Filipinos," Angara said.
In her proclamation last year, President Arroyo said she chose to declare the special holiday on the recommendation of the Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA).
She said the holiday aims "to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid Al-Fitr to the fore of national consciousness." Angara hopes to make this holiday an annual event since it is a day for Muslims akin to Christmas for Christians. He also said it might prevent the resurgence of war since these conflicts are usually rooted in religious conflicts, not unlike that between Muslims and non-Muslims.
