PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has declared Aug. 12, Monday, as a regular holiday nationwide in observance of Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice for Muslims.

The president issued Proclamation 789 pursuant to Republic Act 9849 and upon the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

The law, which former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed on Dec. 11, 1999, declares the 10th day of Zhul Hijja, the 12th month of the Islamic calendar, as a national holiday in observance of Eid’l Adha.

The sacred festival is one of the two most important holidays on the Muslim calendar, the other being Eid’l Fitr.

The feast commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (aka Abraham) to follow God’s command to sacrifice his son.

“The Office of the President hopes that with such declaration, our Muslim brothers and sisters can properly observe and enjoy the Feast of Sacrifice with their loved ones,” presidential spokesman Salvador S. Panelo said in a statement. — Arjay L. Balinbin

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