The House of Representatives committee on Muslim affairs has approved a measure declaring February 1 of every year as “National Hijab Day” as a means to raise awareness on Muslim traditions and to fight discrimination based on religious beliefs.
Deputy Minority Leader and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman on Wednesday welcomed the bill’s approval at the committee level.
“It is time to pass this measure into law to highlight the importance of wearing hijab by Muslim girls and women,” Hataman, former governor of the now-defunct ARMM, said.
Hataman authored House Bill 3725 which has been consolidated with House Bill No. 1363 filed by Rep. Bai Dimple Mastura. The consolidated measure comprises the report of the Committee on Muslim Affairs that has been approved by a majority of its members.
This measure has been filed and re-filed since the 16th Congress by then Anak Mindanao Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman. In fact, during the 17th and 18th Congress, it was approved by the House of Representatives on the third and final reading. Unfortunately, it did not get Senate approval.
“Discrimination emanates from the mind,” Hataman said.
Hataman thanked the members of the Committee on Muslim Affairs, particularly its chair Rep. Khalid Dimaporo, for expediting the approval of this much-needed measure.