BEYOND BUDGET
Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
Today I join fellow Muslims from all over the world in celebrating Eid’l Fitr, the joyous “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” marking the end of Ramadan, or the Islamic month of fasting and self-discovery.
For those unfamiliar with our traditions, the national holiday—declared under Republic Act No. 9177, which was approved on Nov. 13, 2002, and recently, Proclamation No. 514, s. 2024 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM)—is determined by the lunar-based Islamic calendar through the sighting of the crescent moon in the Islamic month of Shawwal.
A recent estimate from the National Commission for Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) pegs the number of Muslims at 10 to 11 percent of the country’s population, as reported in the International Religious Freedom Report for 2022 by the United States of America’s Department of State.
We, Muslims, believe that the text of the Qur'an was revealed during Ramadan and that the month-long fast of Ramadan brings prosperity, harmony, and peace. The first Eid’l Fitr was celebrated in 624 CE by the Prophet Muhammad and his companions after their victory in the battle of Jang-e-Badar. Hence, on Eid’l Fitr, we pray to thank Allah for the strength and self-control we are able to muster throughout Ramadan.
PBBM in solidarity with Muslims
As a daughter of Mindanao, I highly appreciate PBBM for expressing solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters worldwide as he said in a statement, "Ramadan holds special significance as it reminds us of the rich diversity to our cultural and religious tapestry in the Philippines."
In his message during the declaration of Eid’l Fitr as a national holiday, PBBM emphasized that the occasion will “bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness,” underscoring that it will “allow the entire Filipino nation to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony.”
And as we celebrate Eid’l Fitr, I once again thank PBBM for his steadfast commitment to uplifting the welfare of our Muslim brothers and sisters by promoting our culture and traditions, as well as ensuring peace and sustainable development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB)
Ensuring peace in Mindanao, we recently commemorated the 10th Anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro which paved the way for the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the creation of BARMM. I commend the enduring commitment to dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and our government, which are instrumental in making peace possible for the BARMM and, in effect, our entire country.
Relatedly, through the President’s unwavering support, the National Government-Bangsamoro Government IGRB, which I co-chair with BARMM Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal, has activated all seven IGR mechanisms under the BOL in less than a year, and we are working hand in hand in establishing regional offices in BARMM.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and NCMF
Strengthening the nation’s understanding of our history and heritage, thereby sustaining national unity and promoting progress, Administrative Order No. 10, s. 2023 issued by PBBM last Nov. 7, 2023 directed the creation of a committee that will facilitate the study and preparation for the commemoration of the 650th anniversary of Philippine Muslim History and Heritage in 2030 (650PH in 2023). I am pleased to share that the Situmiayat Wakhamsum Aldhikraa National Committee, with NHCP as chair and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) as one of the members, has already convened to ensure the success of the 650PH in 2023.
Meanwhile, the NCMF, which recommends to the President the date of the declaration of Eid’l Fitr as a holiday and the national agency tasked with Muslim Filipino welfare and cultural preservation, has just recently sworn in a new Secretary to lead the Commission. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Hon. Sabuddin N. Abdurahim, a local legislator from Tawi-Tawi, on his appointment. I hope that under his leadership, the NCMF will do a great job catering to the needs of our Muslim brethren—aligned with the President’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas where no one is left behind.
Halal food
Finally, in my own way, I have been championing our culture and strongly promoting halal food. I believe that more than just a dietary limitation for practicing the faith, halal provides insight into Islam, generating a deeper appreciation for the Muslim culture. It is also a healthier alternative, guaranteed to be free of alcohol, chemicals, pork, and its derivatives. And of course, halal cuisine is really delicious! I can attest to this because I was raised in a halal household. In my personal capacity, I’ve been encouraging halal appreciation by serving halal food at the DBM on certain occasions.
I truly believe our country has a vast potential for growth in the halal food and beverage market. Market studies project that the halal food and beverages market size will reach nearly USD 4 trillion by 2028. I am also happy to note that the global halal economy is expanding to cover not only the food and beverage sector, but the entire lifestyle industry, ranging from fashion, health, media, and recreation.
Beyond budget, as we commemorate Eid’l Fitr, I pray for peace and prosperity for our Muslim brothers and sisters in Mindanao and all over the world. I believe that as long as our intentions are good and sincere, Allah will hear our prayers.
May your Eid be filled with peace, blessings, and gratitude. Eid Mubarak!
(Amenah F. Pangandaman is the current Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.)