Work suspension on Islamic New Year

GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The province of Sarangani and other areas in Region 12 will observe on Thursday Amun Jadid, the Islamic New Year, a significant day for reflection, renewal, and community gatherings within the Muslim community.

In line with this celebration, the local government unit of General Santos City has issued Memorandum No. CMO2025-June-JMA-1810, declaring a suspension of work on the said date. Regular office operations will resume on Friday, 27 June. Similarly, the province of South Cotabato announced the suspension of work in government offices to honor the Muslim holiday, promoting peace, renewal and unity.

However, in essential offices such as the Provincial Jail, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and provincial hospitals, only Muslim employees will be excused from work to fully participate in the observance. Non-Muslim employees in these departments are required to report for duty to ensure uninterrupted services for the community.

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos-Zampen Region IX-A has also declared 26 June 2025 as a non-working holiday in selected areas of Mindanao, in accordance with Presidential Decree 1083.

The holiday will extend to several provinces, including Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Cities such as Cotabato, Iligan, Marawi, Pagadian and Zamboanga will also observe the holiday with cultural and religious activities, highlighting the importance of Amun Jadid in the Islamic calendar.

This special occasion provides an opportunity for reflection, unity, and the celebration of traditions, emphasizing the rich cultural diversity of the Philippines while fostering harmony between communities.