In a move that reflects how the leadership of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) respects all beliefs and cultures, the Coast Guard has approved the inclusion of 'hijab' in the uniform of female Muslim Coast Guard personnel.
PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Leopoldo V. Laroya said the inclusion of hijab started on Jan. 25 following the approval of the recommendation of the PCG Command imam, Capt. Alicman S. Borowa.
Laroya said they have already informed all units about the approval through PCG Vice Admiral Artemio M. Abu.
PCG spokesperson, CG Commodore Armando A. Balilo said the the use of 'hijab' reflects the PCG's acceptance and respect of the culture or belief of an individual.
“We need to honor their traditions, and wearing ’hijab’ for females is one of the traditions. No matter the culture, the religion, the PCG accepts everyone who wants to be part of the Coast Guard and serve the country,” Balilio told Manila Bulletin in a phone interview Thursday, Feb. 3.
The use of ‘hijab’ for female members of the Coast Guard is also backed by other members of the PCG Uniform Board, which establishes the identity of the 'Muslim Fatima ' in the PCG service.
Of the 21,500 current members of the Coast Guard, there are 1,850 PCG personnel who are Muslims, and less than 500 are female.
Members of the Muslim community hope that the inclusion of ‘hijab’ in the official PCG uniform will encourage more Muslim women to join the Coast Guard workforce and serve the country.
The word 'hijab' in Arabic means 'being covered' and Islam requires Muslim women to cover themselves in public and in the presence of people who are not 'mahram' – referring to family members or persons who are allowed to see Muslim women without cover.
In his proposal to the PCG Uniform Board, Borowa mentioned that the use of ‘hijab’ has already been initiated in other workforce in the country, and other nations are implementing this move.
“Moreover, uniformed service like the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP), as well as other countries like New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States of America (USA) have already initiated to include hijab as part of their authorized uniform for Muslim personnel in their respective ranks," said Borowa.