President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared June 17 a regular holiday across the Philippines in observance of Eid al-Adha, also known as the “Feast of Sacrifice.”
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Proclamation 579 on Tuesday, making the announcement official. The decision was made following the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, based on the 1445 Hijrah Islamic Lunar Calendar.
Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant Islamic festivals, falls on the 10th day of Zhul Hijja, the 12th month of the Islamic Calendar. According to Republic Act 9848, this date is a national holiday with a movable date to accommodate the lunar calendar.
As the second major festival for Muslims after Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. It is a time for prayer, reflection, and community celebrations among Muslims worldwide.
The proclamation aims to allow Filipino Muslims to observe this important religious event, promoting cultural and religious understanding across the nation.
