MUSLIMS gather for a Quran reading session inside a mosque in Davao City. (Keith Bacongco)
DAVAO CITY – The month-long holding of Ramadan among Muslims in the country will begin on Thursday, Feb. 19, as the moon was not sighted on Tuesday evening, according to Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani of the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta (BDI).
Guialani made the announcement at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), Bangsamoro Government Center (BGC), in Cotabato City following the receipt of the results of the nationwide moon-sighting activities.
Aside from the Bangsamoro region, the BDI also deployed teams for the moonsighting activities in Iligan City in Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental province, and other parts of the country.
“With that premise and by the authority vested in me as Bangsamoro Mufti, I, Abdulrauf A. Guialani, hereby announce that the crescent moon was not sighted today. Therefore, Ramadan fasting 2026 will officially commence on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, In Shaa Allah,” the Grand Mufti announced.
For 30 days, Muslims in the country will observe a month-long fast, as aligned with Islamic teachings, principles, and practices.
“In Islam, sawm (fasting) is among the pillars of the religion that promotes discipline, strengthens spiritual connection with Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala), and helps in body detoxification for healthy living,” the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said in a statement.
Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua issued a memorandum on Wednesday, Feb. 18, implementing a new work schedule for Muslim officials and employees during Ramadan.
“The regular working hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. is hereby modified to 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., without a noon break, for Muslim officials and employees observing the holy month of Ramadan,” the memorandum said.
It added that there shall be no diminution on the 40-hour work week required under the Civil Service rules under these modified working hours.
After the Eid'l Fitr, Macacua said, all officials and employees shall automatically revert to regular working hours.