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

Sixteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 5443

Introduced by HON, SITTI DJALIA A, TURABIN-HATAMAN of Anak Mindanao
(AMIN) Party-List

EXPLANATORY NOTE

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

The very first observance of the World Hijab Day (WHD) was on February 1, 2013.
Founded by Ms. Nazma Khan in 2013 the idea being is to foster social awareness about
why they wear hijab and wipe the stigmas attached to wearing the hijab. WHD has
become an annual event encouraging Muslim and Non-Muslim women to wear the
hijab and experience the life of a Hijabi Woman for a day.

‘There are several misconceptions of women wearing hijab. There are those who think
that these women are being forced, oppressed and worst they are being labeled as
“Terrorists”. In various countries, like France, Muslim Women were banned from
wearing hijab in public places thus violating their rights to practice their religion.

Hijabi women have been facing several challenges across the globe.

‘There are reports that our Muslim Hijabis experienced cruelty and oppression. For
example in the United States after the 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.


In the Philippines there are some universities who banned Muslim students from
wearing hijab. Some of these students are forced to remove their hijab to comply with
the school’s rules and regulations. Some are forced to drop out and transfer to other
institutions, These are clear violations of the student's freedom of religion.

The wearing of hijab is every Muslim Woman’s right. It is not just a piece of cloth but it
is said to be their way of life. It has been explained in the Muslim holy book the Qur’an
that it is obligatory upon every Muslim woman to guard their chastity and modesty.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution declares, “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.” (ArtITL,
Sec.5)

It is our aim to raise awareness and to put a stop to all sorts of discriminations,
including discrimination against Muslim Women, 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.

svf i ByAlta A, TURABIN-HATAMAN


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

Sixteenth Congress
Second Regular Session

House Bill No, 9443

Introduced by HON. SITTI DJALIA A. TURABIN-HATAMAN of Anak Mindanao
(AMIN) Party-List

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

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 the “National Hijab Day.”

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

Section 3. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Act, “hijab” is 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 can
further refer to any head, face, or body covering worn by Muslim women that conforms
to a certain standard of modesty.

Hijabi is the term referring to a Muslim Woman wearing the hijab.


Section 4. — Objectives.

a.) To encourage Muslim and Non-Muslim women to wear the hijab for a day and
experience the life of wearing it.

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

© stop discrimination against our Muslim Women “hijabi’.

fo protect the freedom of religion and the right to practice their religion of our

dy
Muslim Women,

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

f) Promote appreciation for diversity in expression of oneself and one’s faith and
religion.

g) Promote tolerance and acceptance of other lifestyles amongst the Filipino Nation.

Section 5. Awareness Program. It shall be a day to showcase our Muslim Women
Hijabis’ rights. Muslim and Non-Muslim women alike are encouraged to don the hijab
for one day. Government institutions, private sectors and schools are encouraged to
commemorate this event in a manner that promotes understanding and awareness
among its employees and students as to the objective of the campaign.

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

Section 5. — Effectivity Clause.
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or

in one newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,