Palace Set to Declare July 6 a Holiday

Manila, Philippines, 28 Ramadan 1437/04 July 2016 (MINA) – Malacañang is expected to declare July 6 a holiday in observance of the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Philstar reported.

Speaking over state-run radio dzRB, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said no proclamation had been issued as of yesterday, but that an announcement may be made shortly.

“Executive Secretary (Salvador) Medialdea talked about it and it will be on July 6,” he said.

“Let us wait for the official announcement this Monday or Tuesday.”

The end of Ramadan or Eid’l Fitr marks the end of a month-long fasting and an opportunity for Muslims to thank God.

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In 2002, then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law Republic Act 9177 declaring the 10th month of the Islamic calendar a national holiday for the observance of Eid’l Fitr.

The date of the holiday is based on the Islamic or lunar calendar or upon Islamic astronomical calculations.

Islam has more than five million members in the predominantly Catholic Philippines. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)