The measure seeking to declare Feb. 1 of every year as "National Hijab Day" has taken another step toward enactment.
This, after the House of Representatives unanimously voted for the passage of House Bill (HB) No. 5693 on third and final reading Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 15.
Deputy Speaker and Davao City 3rd district Rep. Isidro Ungab, who presided over Tuesday’s session, announced after nominal voting that 274 House members voted in favor of the bill. There were no negative votes or abstentions.
The measure is a consolidation of HB Nos. 1363, 3725, and 5736. These were principally authored by Maguindanao and Cotabato City 1st district Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura, Basilan lone district Rep. Mujiv Hataman, and Lanao del Norte 1st district Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, respectively.
“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,” HB 5693 read.
“The National Hijab Day shall be observed on every first day of February to showcase 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,” it added.
The hijab is the head covering worn in public by some Muslim women. The measure seeks to encourage Muslim and non-Muslim women to wear the hijab to remove the misconception that it is a symbol of oppression, terrorism, and lack of freedom.
It also seeks to stop discrimination against hijab-wearers and protect the freedom of religion and the right of Muslim women to practice their religion.
The measure mandates the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos to be the lead agency to promote and raise consciousness about the practice of wearing hijab.