In a historic celebration, the Philippines marked the first-ever National Day of Awareness on Hijab and Other Traditional Garments and Attire on February 2, with the theme “World Hijab Day 2026: Celebrating Identity, Empowering Women, and Advancing Inclusive Growth”, highlighting the importance of faith, identity, and inclusivity across academic, legislative, and public spaces, with numerous activities held nationwide.
The University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies, in partnership with the Office of Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla, hosted the public forum “Hijab and Dignity: Faith, Identity, and Choice” at the GT Toyota Asian Center Auditorium in UP Diliman, Quezon City. Around 400 participants attended, including representatives from the Senate and Congress, foreign embassies, national and local government agencies, civil society and interfaith groups, uniformed services, religious leaders, Muslim women’s organizations, and academic institutions.
Panelists included Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, Muslimah influencer Queenie Padilla, DSWD Undersecretary Fatima Aliah Dimaporo, Chairperson of the Committee on Muslim Affairs and Representative of the Lone District of Maguindanao del Norte with Cotabato City, Bai Dimple Mastura, and Commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights Atty. Faydah Dumarpa, among other officials. Jamela Aisha Alindogan (also founder of Sinagtala Center and award-winning journalist) served as the moderator of the forum.
They shared initiatives and personal experiences addressing discrimination against hijabi women and emphasized the hijab as an expression of faith, dignity, and choice. Statements of solidarity from representatives of the academe, legislative, and development sectors reaffirmed their commitment to amplifying Muslim women’s voices.
The observance is anchored on Republic Act No. 12224, which designates every first day of February as the National Day of Awareness on Hijab and Other Traditional Garments and Attire. While the law was principally sponsored in the Senate by Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla, its origins date back to 2014 when it was first filed by then-Anak Mindanao (AMIN) Party-list Representative now Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman. The measure was further championed by Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman, who served as a pivotal co-author and primary force in the House of Representatives, ensuring the bill’s steady progress through Congress to promote cultural understanding and address discrimination against Muslim and Indigenous Peoples.
Following the forum, Mayor Turabin-Hataman was invited to a separate celebration held by the House Committee on Muslim Affairs, themed “World Hijab Day 2026: Celebrating Identity, Empowering Women, and Advancing Inclusive Growth.”
In a separate meeting led by Senator Padilla, discussions were held on a proposed measure to establish quiet rooms in public offices and establishments. This initiative seeks to create inclusive spaces for prayer, reflection, and spiritual practice for people of different faiths—particularly benefiting Muslim Filipinos—while reinforcing respect for religious freedom, cultural diversity, and mutual understanding in shared public spaces.
Muslims as a minority in the Philippines is an essential test of the nation’s commitment to justice, equality, and genuine pluralism. Inclusive policies are not acts of privilege, but measures of fairness that correct historical marginalization and affirm the dignity of every Filipino. By institutionalizing respect for religious identity and practice, the country takes a decisive step toward building lasting peace, strengthening national unity, and ensuring that no community is left invisible in the promise of democracy. (Words by M. Lim and E. Banding, Photos credit to UP Islamic Studies and Senator Robin Padilla Facebook page)
