The observance of Eid’l Fitr as a regular national holiday provides the opportunity to celebrate the festival with our Muslim brothers and sisters, and “brings to the fore of national consciousness” its religious and cultural significance.

According to a recent estimate of the National Commission for Muslim Filipinos, Muslims presently constitute 10 to 11 percent of the population. The establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) also enables the institutionalization of programs that would enhance progress and economic prosperity. An Inter-Governmental Relations Body (IGRB) is now actively pursuing the organization of BARMM regional offices in the following key policy areas: socioeconomic planning, interior and local government, public works and highways, energy, transportation, agriculture, national resources and the environment.

Also noteworthy is the establishment of Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’,  an agency tasked with “leading moral governance consistent with the divine guidance and prophetic teaching” for the BARMM inhabitants.

Despite recent gains, much still needs to be done to finally end lingering forms and aspects of cultural discrimination that have festered for so long. For instance, associating Muslims with the notion of violent extremism needs to be debunked, as these contradict their essential belief and practice of peaceful coexistence with peoples of other faiths.

Recall that on account of the 2017 Marawi siege, a significant number of Muslims were displaced and forced to relocate. A recent media report highlighted the emerging vibrancy of entrepreneurial activity in the least affected areas to which commercial activity has shifted. Native Maranaos, after all, have always been regarded for their spirit of enterprise. Their artistic flair is reflected in weaving and the arts. The legendary Sarimanok,  the most popular Maranao artistic design element is emerging anew as a symbol of cultural rebirth.

According to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, significant progress is being made toward the observance of the 650th anniversary of Philippine History and Heritage in 2030 by a national committee created by President Marcos last year.

Hopefully, the heightened consciousness created by the annual observance of Eid’l Fitr --- as well as the other major observance of Eid’l Adha, or the end of the pilgrimage year to Mecca, will bring about significant gains in bringing Filipino Christians, Muslims, and adherents of other faiths toward greater convergence and solidarity.

Let President Marcos’ message at the start of this year’s Ramadan observance resonate: “It is my hope that this monthlong celebration will strengthen our kinship, open our hearts to forgive past grievances and embrace a spirit of harmony that will redound to our collective progress…It is with no doubt that our Muslim brothers and sisters have made invaluable contributions to our nation’s history and heritage, shaping our beloved motherland into the diverse and united country that it is today

Indeed, the end of Ramadan should signal the flourishing of a spirit of kinship and harmony among all Filipinos.