While there is still a long way to go, the first positive steps have been taken to drum up public consciousness about our Muslim brethren through the commemoration of World Hijab Day.
Senator Robin Padilla stressed this as he led a program marking the occasion at the Senate.
Padilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Cultural Committees and Muslim Affairs, said he is glad that many women in the Senate, including Christians, wore the hijab as a show of unity with their Muslim brethren.
“Napakasarap na makita ang mga nagsusuot ng hijab, nakangiti – at sila ay excited. May Almighty God bless you all,” the legislator said.
The lawmaker pointed out that by wearing the hijab, women will experience the trials that Muslim women go through, including discrimination. He noted this is not a matter of religion but of culture.
“Malungkot man sabihin, marami pa tayong kababayan ang hindi nakakaintindi ng ibig sabihin ng hijab.”
“Malungkot man sabihin, marami pa tayong kababayan ang hindi nakakaintindi ng ibig sabihin ng hijab,” the senator lamented.
Because of this, he urged Muslims and non-Muslims alike to listen to the voices of hijabi, or women who wear the hijab.
Padilla also voiced hopes Senate Bill 1410, which he co-authored to institutionalize National Hijab Day in the Philippines on Feb. 1, will be passed in the 19th Congress.
“Sana ngayong Congress na ito sa Mataas at Mababang Kapulungan, maipasa na ito,” he stressed.
At the program, a letter from Nazma Khan, who started World Hijab Day, was read thanking Padilla for bringing hope to Muslim women.
“Thank you for being a beacon of hope for myself and our Muslim sisters worldwide.”
“Thank you for being a beacon of hope for myself and our Muslim sisters worldwide,” Khan said.
Among those who attended the program was Senator Risa Hontiveros, who with Padilla co-authored a bill for National Hijab Day on Feb. 1.
Padilla also paid tribute to the Bangsamoro Parliament for passing last Jan. 25 Resolution No. 162, which supports setting Feb. 1 as National Hijab Day.
He likewise thanked Commissioner Bai Norhata Alonto, Commissioner Dalisay Alliah Macadawan, Atty. Rohaira Lao, Princess Habiba Sarip, Atty. Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, and Director Shey Mohammad for taking part in the program.
Padilla also expressed gratitude to the Senate Secretariat led by Secretary Renato “Rey” Bantug, and Gender and Development Focal System chairperson Atty. Maria Valentina S. Santa-Cruz.
