Nat’l Hijab Day bill advances in the House

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading a consolidated bill that seeks to declare February 1 of every year as National Hijab Day, according to a report by Philippine News Agency.

Under House Bill 3725, a proposed measure consolidated with HB 1363, the government will direct all its institutions, the private sector, and schools to commemorate the importance of the hijab, a head cover worn in public by many Muslims that symbolizes modesty in Islamic Law.

The bill encourages all public and private institutions, including schools, to celebrate this event which also aims to promote understanding and awareness of all other Muslim traditions, culture and beliefs.

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Deputy Minority Leader and Basilan (Lone District). Rep. Mujiv Hataman hailed the approval of the proposed measure, which he described as a step to end religious discrimination.

Hataman is the principal author of HB 3725, while HB 1363 was introduced by Maguindanao and Cotabato City (1st District) Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura.