Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 3725

Introduced by Hon. MUJIV S. HATAMAN of the Lone District of Basilan

EXPLANATORY NOTE

AN ACT DECLARING THE FIRST DAY OF FEBRUARY OF EVERY YEAR AS
NATIONAL HIJAB DAY

Wearing a hijab is probably one of the most recognizable expressions of the Muslim
faith among women in the world. Unfortunately, it is also being used as an inexcusable source
of social stigma and discrimination

‘The prejudice against Muslim women who wear hijab has grown so prevalent in society that
on February 1, 2013, the first World Hijab Day or WHD had been observed in order to raise
awareness on the matter and hopefully eliminate the stigma and discrimination associated with
the practice.

As this representation has stated on countless occasions, discrimination on the basis of religion
is very real, not only here in the Philippines but in other places in the world as well. And this
discrimination manifests in countless forms of cruelty and oppres

For example, in the United States after 9/11 attack, there were Muslim women who were
victims of ill-treatment and robbery. Discrimination and maltreatment of our Hijabi all around
‘the world continue because people fail to understand the reason for wearing the hijab.

Muslim women who wear hijabs were asked to refrain from doing so in
a fact that forced them to either comply or drop out. If you are a Muslim
imination makes it very difficult for you to find a job.
taxicab. This is the sad reality in our society today.

In the Philippines.
some universit
woman wearing a hijab in publi
purchase property or even hai

Hence, this bill. Section 5, Article 3 of the Constitution states that, “No law shall be made
respecting an 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.”

This measure aims to declare February | as National Hijab Day in order to raise awareness on
the religious practice of wearing a hijab. It also aims to eliminate misconceptions about wearing
a hijab, promote deep understanding among non-Muslims on the practice and encourage
schools to educate the young so that they may appreciate why Muslim women wear hijabs.

This measure has been filed and re-filed since the 16" Congress by then Anak Mindanao Rep.
Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman. In fact, during the 17" and 18" Congress, it was approved by
the House of Representatives on third and final reading. Unfortunately, it did not get Senate
approval.

It is our aim to raise awareness and to put a stop to all sorts of discriminations, including
discrimination against Muslim women. With this bill, we hope to foster deeper respect and
understanding among and between Filipinos of varying cultures and faith toward national unity
and peace.

Therefore, the immediate passage of this bill is highly sought.

HO! USTV ‘(ATAMAN

Represéntative
Lone District of Basilan


Soworauaun—

Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City, Metro Manila

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

no.3725

HOUSE BI

Introduced by Hon. MUJIV S. HATAMAN of the Lone District of Basilan

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:

Section. 1. National Hijab Day. 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.

ence the virtue

a.) To encourage Muslim and non-Muslim women to wear the hijab and expet
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 hijabi;

4d.) To protect the freedom of religion and the right of Muslim women to practice their religion;


COUDAHALWNS

e,) 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;

£.) 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 on every first day of
February to showease Hijabis’ rights and the Muslim tradition of wearing a Hijab, Muslim and
non-Muslim women shall 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,