New Philippines Leader Declares July 6 'Eid Holiday'

Metro Manila, Philippines, 29 Raamadan 1437/05 July 2016 (MINA) — Malacañang declared July 6 a national holiday in celebration of Eid’l Ftr, which marks the end of the holy Islamic month of Ramadan.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernie Abella announced on Monday that July 6 will be a non-working holiday, CNN reported.

It is the first holiday declared by President Rodrigo Duterte, who has roots in Mindanao — the traditional homeland of Filipino Muslims.

“The declaration has already been signed by PRRD [President Rodrigo R. Duterte], and it will be released anytime today,” Abella said.

Accounting for over 5 percent of the country’s population, Islam is the second largest religion in the Philippines, a predominantly Roman Catholic nation.

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Muslims celebrate Eid’l Ftr as thanksgiving to Allah with prayers and gatherings after Ramadan, a month-long period of prayer, fasting, charity and sacrifice.

Eid’l Ftr has been proclaimed a national holiday since 2002 under then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to promote goodwill, brotherhood, and peace among the various religions in the country. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)