Aquino declares August 20 as a regular holiday in observance of ‘Eid’l Fitr’ or Feast of Ramadan

Office of the President

August 13, 2012 

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared August 20 which falls on a Monday as a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Ramadan).

The Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 455 signed on August 13 by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., in line with Republic Act No. 9177 that declared Eid’l Fitr or Feast of Ramadan as a regular holiday throughout the country.

Eid’l Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim World for three (3) days after the end of the month of fasting.

“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,” President Aquino said.

“In order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, it is necessary to declare Monday, August 20, as a regular holiday throughout the country,” he said.

Ramadan is the month when Muslims observe a strict fast for a period of 12 hours daily, from sunrise to sunset.

Ramadan is also a month of sacrifice and purification as the Muslims worldwide fast, pray and act with kindness towards the poor and less fortunate.