Palace declares April 1 as regular holiday nationwide for Eid'l Fitr

CEBU, Philippines — Malacañang has declared April 1, 2025, as a regular holiday nationwide in observance of Eid'l Fitr, the Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Proclamation No. 839 on Thursday, March 20, following the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF). The commission had proposed either March 31 or April 1 as the official date for the national holiday.

The declaration aligns with Republic Act 9177, which recognizes Eid'l Fitr as a regular holiday across the country.

"In order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid'l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, and to allow the entire Filipino nation to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eid'l Fitr, it is necessary to declare 01 April 2025, Tuesday, a regular holiday throughout the country," the proclamation states.

In line with the celebration, NCMF Visayas, led by Regional Director Onasis Omar Balt, distributed dates, known as "korma," to Muslim communities in the Visayas. The sweet and highly nutritious fruit, which thrives in the Middle East and parts of Africa, is traditionally consumed to break the fast (Iftar) during Ramadan, following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Filipino Muslims, like their counterparts around the world, often enjoy dates alongside their local dishes when breaking their fast.

Earlier, NCMF Visayas had also provided free Iftar meals to Muslim communities in Barangay Mantuyong, Mandaue City, Cebu.

Through a collaboration with the Turkiye Diyanet Foundation, NCMF also extended assistance to Muslims attending mosques (masjids) for Maghrib prayers, which take place at sunset, by distributing free food for Iftar.

As of press time, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has yet to issue a labor advisory regarding the pay rules for the April 1 holiday.

Eid’l Fitr, which signifies the conclusion of Ramadan, is a significant event for the Muslim community, marking a time of joy, gratitude, and unity. With the national holiday declaration, the Filipino nation is given the opportunity to celebrate and reflect alongside their Muslim brothers and sisters.