SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Monday said the bill seeking to institutionalize the declaration of the National Hijab Day every February 1 of every year is a simple yet meaningful piece of legislation that would benefit Muslim women.

“Through the National Hijab Day, we are encouraging present and future generations to imbibe the culture and spirit behind the practice of wearing hijab as profession of faith, modesty, and dignity,” Estrada said in co-sponsoring Senate Bill No. 1410 under Committee Report No. 8.

The proposed declaration of the National Hijab Day every February 1 is in harmony with the annual World Hijab Day celebration which falls on the same date.

It is the intent of the World Hijab Day to foster religious tolerance, dismantle bigotry and discrimination against Muslim women and promote unity through diversity despite race, color, creed, or religion.

“This is another important step that we are taking through Christian-Muslim Filipino understanding and solidarity,” Estrada said.

The senator lauded Sen. Robinhood Padilla for prioritizing what he described as a simple yet meaningful piece of legislation.

“Batid naman po ni Sen. Robin na lagi akong nakasuporta sa kanyang mga ipinaglalaban, lalo na’t ito ay para sa interes at kapakanan ng ating mga mahal na kapatid na Muslim na malapit na malapit rin po sa aking puso at sa puso ng aking ama na si Pangulong Joseph Estrada,” the veteran lawmaker said.

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PS Jun M. Sarmiento