Republic of the Philippines.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

an
House BILL No.!383

Introduced by REP. SITTIE SHAHARA “BAI DIMPLE" |. MASTURA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article Ill, Section 5 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution affirms that “(N)o law
shall be made respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and
worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious
test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.”

The wearing of a hijab is every Muslim woman's right. The hijab is more than
a piece of clothing, it is a way of life. This has been explained in the holy book of
Qur-an - that it is imperative upon every Muslim woman to guard their chastity and
modesty.

However, in some countries, Muslim women wearing the hijab face
discrimination are being labeled terrorists. Some even prohibit the wearing of a
hijab in public spaces, thus trampling on their rights to exercise and practice their
religion.

On February 1, 2013, a World Hijab Day was instituted in recognition of
millions of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab and live a life of modesty. It
has been recognized by the State of New York in 2017, and by the U.K. House of
Commons. Consonant thereto, this bill seeks to protect the religious freedom of our
Filipino Muslim sisters as we join 190 nations around the world in celebrating
February 1 of every year as the National Hijab Day

This measure is filed in recognition of the right of millions of Muslim women
who choose to wear the hijab. It likewise aims to raise national awareness and to
clear the misconceptions associated with wearing a hijab


In view of its vital importance, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

Representative
First District of Maguindanao-
with Cotabato City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1363

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REP. SITTIE SHAHARA "BAI DIMPLE" |. MASTURA

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

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled.

Sec. 1. Short Title. - The first day of February of every year is hereby
declared as "National Hijab Day.”

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the role of women in
nation-building, and shall ensure the fundamental equality of women and men
before the law. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and
worship, without discrimination and or preference, shall be forever allowed.

Sec 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, “hijab” refers to a veil that
covers the head and chest, which is particularly worn by a Muslim female beyond
the age of puberty in the presence of adult males outside of their immediate family.
It may further refer to any head, face, or body covering worn by Muslim women that
conforms to a certain standard of modesty.

Hijabi refers to a Muslim woman wearing the hijab.
Sec. 4. Objectives.

a.) To encourage Muslim and non-Muslim women to wear the hijab and
experience the virtue in wearing It;


b.) To remove the misconception of wearing the hijab that has been
misunderstood as a symbol of oppression, terrorism and lack of freedom;

c.) To stop discrimination against Muslim;

d.) To protect the freedom of religion and the right of Muslim women to
practice their religion;

.) To promote and deepen understanding amongst non-Muslims about the
value of wearing a hijab as an act of modesty and dignity of Muslim women;

f) To promote appreciation for diversity in expression of oneself and one's
faith and religion, and

g.) To promote tolerance and acceptance of other lifestyles amongst the
citizenry.

Sec. 5. Awareness Program. - The National Hijab Day shall be observed
every first day of February to showcase Hijabis' rights and the Muslim tradition of
wearing a Hijab. Muslim and non-Muslim women shali be encouraged to don the
hijab on this day.

Government institutions, schools, and the private sector shall be encouraged
to observe this event in a manner that promotes understanding and awareness
among its employees and students of the objective of the campaign.

Sec. 6. Implementing Agency. - The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos
(NCMF) is hereby mandated as the lead agency in promoting and raising
consciousness about the practice of wearing a hijab. It shall conduct activities that
shall aim to deepen understanding of the hijab as a lifestyle choice amongst Muslim
women. Towards this end, it may conduct fora, information dissemination campaigns
and other educational drive to effectively meet the objectives of this Act.

Sec. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication In the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved