Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9177)
Republic Act No. 9177 declares the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, as a national holiday for the observance of Eidul Fitr, and the tenth day of Zhul Hijja, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, as a regional holiday in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the observance of Eidul Adha.
Eidul Fitr is the first day marking the end of the thirty-day fasting period of Ramadhan.
Eidul Adha is observed on the tenth day of Zhul Hijja and commemorates the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca where Muslims honor Abraham's act of sacrifice, symbolizing mankind's obedience to God.
Section 26, Chapter 7 of Executive Order No. 292, also known as the Revised Administrative Code of 1987, was amended by RA 9177.
Regular holidays include New Year's Day, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Eidul Fitr, Araw ng Kagitingan, Labor Day, Independence Day, National Heroes Day, Bonifacio Day, Christmas Day, and Rizal Day.
No, Eidul Adha is declared as a regional holiday in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) only.
The Office of Muslim Affairs (OMA) is responsible for the implementation of RA 9177.
Yes, the Grand Mufti may submit suggestions relative to the rules and regulations for consideration by the Office of Muslim Affairs.
The approximate dates of these Islamic holidays may be determined based on the Islamic calendar (Hijra), the lunar calendar, or Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient.
RA 9177 took effect fifteen days after its complete publication in at least two national newspapers of general circulation.