REPUBLIC ACT NO. 12224, June 18, 2025

[ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 12224, June 18, 2025 ]

AN ACT DECLARING THE FIRST DAY OF FEBRUARY OF EVERY YEAR AS THE NATIONAL DAY OF AWARENESS ON HIJAB AND OTHER TRADITIONAL GARMENTS AND ATTIRE

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: SECTION 1. The first day of February of every year is hereby declared as the "national Day of Awareness on Hijab and Other Traditional Garments and Attire" to promote diversity, awareness, and tolerance of the various religious and cultural beliefs through the wearing of indigenous and traditional clothing, head garments and coverings.

SEC. 2. The Chairperson of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in coordination with the local government units and other national government agencies, are enjoined to conduct activities and programs such as exhibits and symposiums that promote the cultural values of wearing hijab and other traditional garments and attire.

SEC. 3. Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the wearing or non-wearing of a particular attire, garment, or clothing.

SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

(SGD.) FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ

(SGD.) FRANCIS "CHIZ" G. ESCUDERO

Speaker of the House of Representatives

President of the Senate

This Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1410 and House Bill No. 5693, was passed by the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives on February 3, 2025 and February 5, 2025, respectively.

(SGD.) REGINALD S. VELASCO

(SGD.) RENATO N. BANTUG, JR.

Secretary General House of Representatives

Secretary of the Senate

Approved: JUN 18 2025

(SGD.) FERDINAND ROMUALDEZ MARCOS JR.

President of the Philippines