Philippine President Benigno Aquino III has declared July 29, 2014 as a Regular Holiday across the country in observance of Eid’l Fitr or the end of the month-long Ramadan. The declaration of Ramadan holiday was announced by Malacanang on Monday, July 14, 2014.
See Also: July 29, 2014 Regular Holiday Pay Rules (Ramadan Holiday)
According to President Aquino in Proclamation No. 826, “Eid’l Fitr” holiday was declared “To promote cultural understanding and integration, 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,” Aquino stated.
President Aquino noted that Republic Act No. 9177 declared Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadan) as a Regular Holiday throughout the country. The Eid’l Fitr holiday is celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide, some Muslim countries particularly in the Middle East celebrates a total of three days as a non-working holidays.
The Eid-al-Fitr (Eid ul-Fitr, Id-Ul-Fitr, Eid) marks the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting and prayer among Muslims worldwide. The end of Ramadan also marked the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. During the Eid Holiday for Muslims, they attend communal prayers, listen to a sermon and give zakat al-fitr (charity in the form of food).
Malacanang added further that the declaration of Eid El-Fitr Holiday in the Philippines hopes “to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness.
The Department of Labor and Employment on their part urged various private companies in the country to abide by the Pay Rules pursuant to DOLE memorandum during Regular Holidays.
