The Bangsamoro Transition Authority approved a resolution to support Senator Robinhood Padilla's Senate Bill No. 1272 and its House counterpart House Bill No. 5693 which declares February 1 of each year as National Hijab Day (Parliament).
The proposed Resolution No. 162, or "Resolution Expressing The Unequivocal Support Of The Bangsamoro Parliament To Senate Bill No. 1272 and House Bill No. 5693, Both Declaring The First Day Of February Of Every Year As National Hijab Day And Promoting An Understanding Of The Muslim Tradition Of Wearing A Hijab" was authored primarily by member of Parliament (MP) Diamila Disimban-Ramos and was passed by the BTA during its 19th plenary session.
The legitimate intent of these bills in both chambers of Congress is to end discrimination, oppression, misunderstanding, and misinformation against women who wear the hijab, to promote equality and empowerment, education, and protection, and to foster a culture of peace, inclusivity, and unity in the face of diversity.
MPs Baintan Ampatuan, Laisa Alamia, Dr. Susana Anayatin, Eddie Alih, Nurredha Misuari, and Khalid Hadji Abdullah authored the resolution and was also co-authored by MPs Bai Maleiha B. Candao, Atty. Abdulwahab Pak, Fahanie Uy-Oyod, Ali B. Solaiman, Atty. Lanang Ali Jr., Sha Elijah Dumama Alba, Ali Montaha Babao, Michael Midtimbang, Rasul Ismael, Hussein Munoz, and Faizal Karon.
On his manifestation of support, MP Randolph Parcasio explained that "this resolution is a manifestation of a continuing evolution of what was started by our heroes in the past who did all they could for the recognition of our rights to self-determination."
Resolution 162 expresses the Bangsamoro Parliament's full support in the ongoing hearing of the legislation of "National Hijab Day," a symbol to show the Filipino people that "we are united with the National Government in continuing to find a solution to have social inclusion and true and lasting peace throughout the country."
It was approved before the commemoration of "World Hijab Day."
Earlier in February, the office of MP Ramos, in collaboration with Jum-eyatul Mar-ah Almuslimah Lilhaymanah, Inc., successfully commemorated this year's World Hijab Day by holding the #HijabWithFriends activity, dubbed "Promoting Peace and Understanding Through Sharing the Hijab Experience with Friends from Other Faiths," at Cotabato City Plaza, where free hijabs were given to non-Muslim women.
Meanwhile, Senator Padilla emphasized in SB 1272 that it also aims to counter the "colonial mentality" in which the hijab symbolizes women's oppression.
