PHILSTAR.COM
MANILA, Philippines - President Arroyo has declared Monday, Sept. 21 a national holiday in observance of the Islamic feast of Eid’l Fitr.
Immediately after the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, Muslims will celebrate for three days.
The holiday will only be for a day.
Eid’l Fitr is a regular holiday but the actual date for the celebration was determined only recently by the Office of Muslim Affairs based on the Islamic calendar.
“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,” read the presidential proclamation.
On the same day, the nation will observe International Day of Peace, a special day of non-violence and cessation of hostilities in solidarity with the community of nations.
The International Day of Peace itself is not a holiday. However, since it falls on the same day as Eid’l Fitr, there would be more opportunities for people to join the activities. The Department of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, was tasked to lead the observance of the International Day of Peace.
On Sept. 7, 2001, the United Nations General Assembly designated Sept. 21 of each year beginning 2002 as the International Day of Peace.
On this day, nations are urged to honor the cessation of all hostilities. — Marvin Sy
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