A resolution seeking to support Senator Robinhood Padilla’s Senate Bill No. 1272 and its counterpart House Bill No. 5693 in the House of Representatives, which declares Feb. 1 of every year as National Hijab Day, was approved by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (Parliament).

Principally authored by Member of Parliament (MP) Diamila Disimban-Ramos, Proposed Resolution No. 162 or “Resolution Expressing The Unequivocal Support Of The Bangsamoro Parliament To Senate Bill No. 1272 And House Bill No. 5693, Both 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” has been passed by the BTA during its 19th plenary session.

The legitimate intent of these bills in both chambers of Congress is to resolve discrimination, oppression, misunderstanding, and misinformation regarding women wearing the hijab, to promote equality and empowerment, education, and protection, as well as to cultivate a culture of peace, inclusivity, and unity amidst diversity.

“As a Member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority – Parliament that earnestly promotes the rights, development, protection, representation, and opportunities for women, I strongly believe that the enactment of these is a significant expression of our solidarity and collective support for the National Government to remain faithful to its mandate to ensure the equality of women and men before the law as well as the free enjoyment of religious profession and worship without discrimination,” Ramos said in her authorship speech.

“The enactment of “National Hijab Day” is a legislation for peace, unity, and understanding. However, “National Hijab Day” is not just a piece of legislation but an affirmation and acceptance of the way of life of Muslims,” she further stated.

The said resolution was also principally authored by MPs Baintan Ampatuan, Laisa Alamia, Dr. Susana Anayatin, Eddie Alih, Nurredha Misuari, and Khalid Hadji Abdullah, and co-authored by MPs Bai Maleiha B. Candao, Atty. Fahanie Uy-Oyod, Ali B. Solaiman, Abdulwahab Pak, Atty. Lanang Ali Jr., Sha Elijah Dumama Alba, Ali Montaha Babao, Michael Midtimbang, Rasul Ismael, Hussein Munoz, and Faizal Karon.

Further, on his manifestation of support, MP Randolph Parcasio said that “this resolution is a manifestation of a continuing evolution of what was started by our heroes in the past who did all their best for the recognition of our rights of self-determination.

“Whether we say that this is a non-religious-related move by the Senate and the House, deep down it is truly a recognition not only of the cultural rights of the Bangsamoro people, who are Muslims, but as well as the religion that they are exercising. This then is part of the process of evolution of bringing about genuine unity not only in our homeland but throughout the world,” he added.

The passage of Resolution 162 is an expression of the full support of the Bangsamoro Parliament in the ongoing hearing of the legislation of “National Hijab Day,” a symbol to show the Filipino people that “we are united with the National Government in continuing to find a solution to have social inclusion and true and lasting peace throughout the country.” It was approved before the commemoration of “World Hijab Day.”

Earlier in February, the office of MP Ramos, in partnership with Jum-eyatul Mar-ah Almuslimah Lilhaymanah, Inc., successfully commemorated this year’s World Hijab Day through the conduct of the #HijabWithFriends activity, dubbed “Promoting Peace and Understanding Through Sharing the Hijab Experience with Friends from Other Faiths,” at Cotabato City Plaza, where free hijabs are given to non-Muslim women as well as a hijab tutorial, a hijab donation drive, and hijab orientation and its significance.

Meanwhile, during the filing of SB 1272, Senator Padilla emphasized in the bill that it also aims to counter the “colonial mentality” where the hijab symbolizes the oppression of women.

“It is our aim to declare the first day of February of every year as National Hijab Day to recognize the millions of Muslim women around the world, and in the Philippines especially, who choose to wear the hijab and embody a life of modesty. It likewise aims to foster cultural understanding and inclusivity in our country.” (PNA)