Recognition of Muslim Holidays in Philippines

Presidential Decree No. 291 recognizes that Muslims observe religious holidays observed by Muslims worldwide.
Presidential Decree No. 291 addresses the existing situation where only Christian religious holidays were recognized as national holidays and important Muslim holidays were not included.
Presidential Decree No. 291 implements a goal of strengthening national community by giving due recognition to Muslim holidays and making them national holidays at least in provinces and cities where Muslims predominantly reside.

Section 1 provides that Muslim holidays shall be officially observed in the following Provinces: Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte.
Section 1 provides that Muslim holidays shall also be officially observed in the following Muslim cities: Iligan City, Marawi City, Zamboanga City, Basilan City, Cotabato City, General Santos City.
Section 1 extends official observance to such other Muslim provinces and cities that may be created in the future out of the listed provinces and/or cities.
Section 3 allows official observance in other provinces and/or cities where a significant number of Muslims reside, or upon request of Muslim residents, through proclamation by the President.

Section 2 recognizes Eid-ul-Adha (Hariraya Haji), falling on the 10th day of the 12th Lunar month of Zull-Haj.
Section 2 recognizes Muharram (Ashura), falling on the 10th day of the 1st Lunar month Muharram.
Section 2 recognizes Eid-e-Milad-un Nabi (Ascension), falling on the 12th day of the 3rd Lunar month Rabbi-Awwal.
Section 2 recognizes Eid-ul Fitr, falling on the 1st day of the 10th Lunar month of Shawwal.
Section 2 recognizes Maulod-en-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday), falling on the 12th day of the 3rd Lunar month Rabbi-Awwal.

Section 4 allows the approximate dates of the enumerated Muslim holidays to be determined in accordance with the Muslim Lunar Calendar or the appearance of the moon, or through Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient.
Section 4 requires that the President be advised of the approximate dates at the start of the calendar year but not later than the 15th of January.
Section 4 states that the advice must come from the Muslim community and/or from the Islamic Directorate of the Philippines, Inc.
Section 4 requires the purpose of the advice: to enable appropriate publication and announcement to correspond with the Gregorian-calendar.

Section 5 provides that all Muslim employees of the Government are excused from reporting to office other than in the places enumerated under Section 1.
Section 5 requires the excuse so that government Muslim employees may observe the recognized Muslim holidays.
Section 5 authorizes the President to issue a Presidential Proclamation allowing Muslims employed in private offices, agencies or establishments to be excused from reporting to work without decrease or reduction in their usual compensation or pay during the duration of the Muslim holiday.

Section 6 provides that implementation is under the supervision of the Office of the President.
Section 6 requires the Office of the President to promulgate rules and regulations pursuant to the decree.
Section 6 requires consultation with leaders of the Muslim community before promulgating the rules and regulations.

Section 7 provides that all laws, executive orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with Presidential Decree No. 291 are repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 8 provides that Presidential Decree No. 291 takes effect immediately.
The decree is dated September 12, 1973 and executed in the City of Manila.