June 26, Eid’l Fitr A Regular Non-Working Holiday, Announces Malacanang

Malacanang has designated June 26 as a regular non-working holiday in observance of the Muslim holiday, Eid’l Fitr. According to Proclamation no. 235, 2017, the declaration allows the rest of the Philippines to “join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr.”

The announcement was also based on the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, according to the proclamation.

Eid’l Fitr – The Feast Of Ramadan

According to a Philippine Star report, President Duterte considers this day an important day for Muslim Filipinos because of its religious and cultural significance. As early as the Marcos administration, this day has been recognized as “one of the legal Muslim holidays.”

Eid’l Fitr marks the end of the month-long fast called Ramadan. On this day, Muslims finally break their fast, as families prepare a feast in their homes or in their communities. The celebration usually lasts for three days.

Another Long Weekend For Most, But Not For Marawi Evacuees

The announcement brings good news for folks on the lookout for some vacation time. Because it falls on a Monday, this means another long weekend is in store for Filipinos.

This may mean another trip to the nearest beach destination or any other destination to take a breather from work. For those who are on a budget, it can just be a staycation with family or friends.

The holiday, however, will not be as happy for Muslim families who were forced to evacuate out of Marawi City because of the ongoing siege between government troops and the Maute group. According to an Inquirer report, the evacuees who are now in evacuation centers in Iligan City cannot seem to fathom how they will celebrate this important day.

Traditionally, if they were in their own homes, Eid’l Fitr would be a time when they would wear their colorful prayer garb and prepare a feast for the family, said the evacuees. One evacuee likened this day to Christmas day for Christians. They would also offer gifts to their children, their neighbors, and the village clerics.

This year, however, they would have to celebrate with very little and say their prayers in makeshift tents in the evacuation center.