Sen. Padilla files bill declaring February 1 as National Hijab Day

Senator Robin Padilla has filed a bill that seeks for the observance of February 1 of every year as National Hijab Day, to show solidarity with Muslim women and value the wearing of hijab as a sign of modesty.

Under the Senate Bill 1272, Padilla said the hijab is a "visible and distinguishable expression of the Islamic faith" but is being used for "discrimination and prejudice against Muslim women."

"It is our aim to declare the first day of February of every year as National Hijab Day to recognize the millions of Muslim women around the world, and in the Philippines especially, who choose to wear the hijab and embody a life of modesty. It likewise aims to foster cultural understanding and inclusivity in our country," said Padilla, who is a Muslim convert.

The senator called for an end to discrimination against Muslim women through "awareness, education and empowerment," and said the bill also aims to correct the "colonial mentality" that the hijab symbolizes the oppression of women.

"Stereotypical representations lead to misconceptions and one-dimensional view that Muslim women are powerless and oppressed. Recent controversies in different parts of the world - from hijabis being denied entry on school grounds to Muslim women getting assaulted for wearing hijab - have been polarizing and detrimental to Muslim women. Domestically, Filipino Muslim women are no strangers to these challenges," he said.

Under the bill, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) will be tasked to lead the National Hijab Day, and will coordinate with the Bangsamoro Women Commission regarding the celebration.

Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman had refiled a similar House bill seeking to declare February 1 of every year as the National Hijab Day.

Hataman filed House Bill No. 3725, or “An Act Declaring the First Day of February of Every Year as National Hijab Day and Promoting an Understanding of the Muslim Tradition of Wearing a Hijab.”

“Ang hijab ay isa sa mga simbolo ng pananampalataya para sa mga kababaihang Muslim, ngunit nakakalungkot na ito rin ang nagiging dahilan ng kanilang diskriminasyon. Hangad natin ang mas malalim na pang-unawa at kamulatan tungkol sa pagsusuot ng hijab sa hanay ng ating mga kapatid na Muslim," Hataman said in a statement.

(The hijab is one of the symbols of faith for Muslim women, but it is sad that it has also become a reason for their disrimination. We aim for a deeper understanding and awareness about the wearing of the hijab among our Muslim sisters.)

“Dami na nating narinig kwento tungkol sa diskriminasyon laban sa mga nakasuot ng hijab: pinagtatanggal ng hijab sa mga paaralan, hindi natatanggap sa trabaho, hindi pinagbebentahan ng bahay o lupa, o yung simpleng hindi pinaparahan ng taxi sa daan pag nakitang naka-hijab,” Hataman, former governor of the defunct ARMM, said.

(We have heard many stories about discrimination against those who wear the hijab: being asked to remove hijabs in schools, not being accepted to work, not being sold a house or land, or simply not being accomodated by a taxi on the road when the driver sees a woman wearing a hijab.)

Aside from a National Hijab Day, Hataman said the measure also aims to raise awareness on the religious practice of wearing a hijab, eliminate misconceptions about wearing a hijab, and to promote deep understanding among non-Muslims on the practice, especially in schools so the young may appreciate why Muslim women wear hijabs. —LBG, GMA News