Bill declaring February 1 National Hijab Day passed in Senate

A bill declaring the first day of February of every year as the National Day for Awareness on the Hijab and other traditional garments and attire was unanimously approved by the Senate of the Philippines on Monday.

February 1 is also World Hijab Day.

Senate Bill 1410 was approved after receiving 21 affirmative votes, zero negative votes, and zero abstentions.

Section 3 of the bill states that the measure is intended to promote diversity, awareness and tolerance of religious and cultural beliefs expressed through the wearing of indigenous clothing, head garments, and coverings such as but not limited to hijab, sinulog and tapis.

After the passage of the measure, Senator Robin Padilla, principal author and sponsor of the bill, said the main purpose of the bill is to ensure equality and avoid discrimination against other cultures or religions in the country.

“Sa ating paghahangad ng isang lipunang walang diskriminasyon, napakahalagang kilalanin at harapin—hindi takasan at iwasan—ang mga partikular na hamon na kinakaharap ng isang komunidad,” he said.

(In our striving for a society without discrimination, it is very important to recognize and face—not avoid—the particular challenges that a community faces.)

“Ang pagkilala sa mga pakikibaka ng isang grupo ay hindi nangangahulugan na binabawasan natin ang kahalagahan ng iba. Sa halip, malinaw ang ating mithiin: ang pagpapalakas ng boses ng mga nangangailangan para isulong ang tunay na pagkakapantay-pantay.”

(Recognizing the struggles of one group does not mean that we are minimizing the value of another. Instead, our desire is clear: to strengthen the voices of those in need in order to achieve true equality.) — BM, GMA Integrated News