We Filipinos simply love holidays as it means no work, no school and there is one such day around the corner! The coming national holiday is of special significance to us Filipino Muslims. It is Eid’l Fitr or the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast. It is one of the two major Islamic celebrations, alongside Eid’l Adha.

In the Philippines, the celebration of Eid has come a long way. Having both cultural and national significance, Republic Act 9177, authored by Senator Loren Legarda, officially declared Eid’l Fitr a regular holiday, recognizing the contributions of Filipino Muslims.

Legarda, known for her close ties to the Muslim community, has championed policies uplifting Mindanao and indigenous peoples. This year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared 1 April 2025 a national holiday for Eid’l Fitr under Proclamation 839.

Eid’l Fitr may be either on 31 March or 1 April depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Thus, from the northern provinces of Luzon to bustling Metro Manila, cutting across the islands of the Visayas down to the shores of Mindanao, Filipino Muslims will soon wake before sunrise to celebrate this feast.

Marking the end of Ramadan, a month of self-discipline, devotion, and reflection, it is more than a feast/holiday. On this day, Muslims express gratitude to Allah through prayer, family gatherings and acts of charity, ensuring that even the less fortunate can partake of the celebration.

On this day, we realize that Eid’l Fitr is not just a farewell to fasting. It is the beginning of a renewed commitment — to faith, community and the values of gratitude, generosity and self-discipline that Ramadan has strengthened in us. It is also a time of forgiveness.

Growing up in Metro Manila, where Muslims are a minority, our Eid celebrations were once modest and mostly confined to family gatherings. Public observances were rare, and many non-Muslims were unaware of the occasion. Today, things have changed. Large congregational prayers now take place in major venues like Quezon Memorial Circle and Quirino Grandstand, symbolizing Eid’s growing recognition and inclusivity in Philippine society.

We now see that Eid is gaining wider visibility and acceptance, further reflecting inclusivity in diversity. Major food and beverage brands now actively engage Muslim consumers in their marketing campaigns similar to that on Christmas, another sign of Eid’s increasing visibility and the awareness of Ramadan’s importance.

With this, Eid is now embraced by Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Inshallah, more of our fellow Filipinos continue to celebrate with us, just as we all share in the joy of Christmas. Likewise, may more establishments recognize Eid, making it as warm and festive as other cherished holidays.

More importantly, beyond commerce, interfaith interactions have flourished. More non-Muslim Filipinos now join in our celebrations, fostering deeper understanding. Some years ago, I had the privilege of being asked by Fatima Aliah Q. Dimaporo, now a DSWD Undersecretary, to organize an Eid’l Fitr gathering for her World Youth Alliance colleagues.

Held at UP Diliman, the afternoon was as warm and welcoming as she was, filled with meaningful conversations, camaraderie and great food. Undersecretary Aliah, with her radiant presence and sincerity, sought to celebrate Eid while introducing its beauty to non-Muslims. The result? A celebration of faith, friendship and cultural appreciation — a reminder that Eid is not just a holiday, but a bridge that connects people.

As we step into this new chapter, may this Eid bring renewed faith, deeper understanding, and stronger unity for all. With fervent hopes for greater inclusivity in diversity, may I greet everyone Eid Mubarak!