Eid al-Fitr is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar. It marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection observed by Muslims worldwide.

The Bangsamoro Grand Mufti declared March 2 as the start of Ramadan this year in the Philippines, which means the Month of Fasting will end around March 30, 2025 or March 31, 2025.

It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Eid al-Fitr is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, making its date vary annually across different regions. 

This makes it a joyous occasion for communal prayers, feasting, and acts of gratitude toward Allah for the strength and guidance provided during Ramadan.

Is Eid al-Fitr a Holiday in the Philippines?

There are two religions that are predominantly practiced in the Philippines, which are Roman Catholic and Islam.

Essentially, Eid al-Fitr is recognized as a regular holiday through the declaration of Republic Act No. 9177 and Presidential Proclamation No. 1083.

These legislations acknowledge the first day of Shawwal, allowing Filipino muslims to observe this important religious event.

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar-based, the exact date of Eid al-Fitr varies each year and is ultimately determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, adding a unique element of anticipation to its celebration.

This year, Eid al-Fitr is assumed to fall on March 30 or March 31 in the Philippines. When it happens, it will be declared a holiday.

When is Eid al-Fitr in the Philippines this 2025?

In Proclamation No. 727, s.2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a list of holidays this 2025.

There is no indication in the list that March 30 is declared a holiday this year.

However, Section 2 of the proclamation pertains:

“The proclamations declaring national holidays for the observance of Eidul Fitr and Eidul Adha shall hereafter be issued after the approximate dates of the Islamic holidays have been determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient. To this end, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos shall recommend to the Office of the President the actual dates on which these holidays shall respectively fall.”

In other words, the President is yet to declare the holiday when the Commission submits their recommendation dates.

What is the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos?

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) advises and assists the President in creating, coordinating, implementing, and monitoring policies and programs for Muslim Filipino communities.

Is it double pay during Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is a regular holiday, which means it’s a non-working holiday. 

Employees who went to work will receive double of their daily wage, meanwhile those who did not go to work are still paid their regular wage.

Sources: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6)

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