The first positive steps have been taken to drum up public consciousness about our Muslim brethren is through the commemoration of World Hijab Day, Senator Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla said.
Padilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Cultural Committees and Muslim Affairs, stressed this on Wednesday as he led a program marking the occasion at the Senate.
He said he is glad that many women in the Senate, including Christians, wore the hijab as a show of unity with their Muslim brethren.
"Napakasarap na makita ang mga nagsusuot ng hijab, nakangiti - at sila ay excited. May Almighty God bless you all (It is very good to see you wearing hijab and smiling and excited. May Almighty God bless you all)," said Padilla.
He said that by wearing the hijab, women would experience the trials that Muslim women go through, including discrimination. He noted this is not a matter of religion but of culture.
"Malungkot man sabihin, marami pa tayong kababayan ang hindi nakakaintindi ng ibig sabihin ng hijab (Sad to say, many Filipinos still do not understand the significance of wearing a hijab)," he lamented.
Because of this, Padilla urged Muslims and non-Muslims alike to listen to the voices of hijabi, or women who wear the hijab.
Padilla also voiced hopes Senate Bill 1410, which he co-authored to institutionalize National Hijab Day in the Philippines on February 1, would be passed in the 19th Congress.
"Sana ngayong Congress na ito sa Mataas at Mababang Kapulungan, maipasa na ito (I hope it will be passed by the Senate and House of this Congress)," he said.
At the program, a letter from Nazma Khan, who started the World Hijab Day, thanking Padilla for bringing hope to Muslim women.
"Thank you for being a beacon of hope for myself and our Muslim sisters worldwide," she said.
Among those who attended the program was Senator Risa Hontiveros, who with Padilla, co-authored a bill for National Hijab Day on Feb. 1.
Padilla also paid tribute to the Bangsamoro Parliament for passing last Jan. 25 Resolution No. 162, which supports setting Feb. 1 as National Hijab Day.
He, likewise, thanked Commissioner Bai Norhata Alonto, Commissioner Dalisay Alliah Macadawan, lawyer Rohaira Lao, Ms. Princess Habiba Sarip, lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, and Director Shey Mohammad for taking part in the program.
Meanwhile, Padilla thanked as well the Senate Secretariat led by Secretary Renato “Rey” Bantug, and Gender and Development Focal System chairperson lawyer Maria Valentina S. Santa-Cruz.