Aug. 9 a holiday for Eid’l Fitr

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino has declared Aug. 9 a regular holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr, the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Aquino issued Proclamation 629 pursuant to Republic Act 9177.

The order was issued to promote cultural understanding and integration and allow other Filipinos the opportunity to join their Muslim brothers in celebrating Eid’l Fitr, he added.

It is also for the purpose of bringing the religious and cultural significance of Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, Lacierda said.

Muslims celebrate Eid’l Fitr for three days after the end of the month-long fast.

On July 10, Aquino greeted the Muslim Filipino community as they began the fasting month of Ramadan.