PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12224, which recognizes the use of traditional clothing such as hijabs, head coverings, and indigenous attire.
The President signed on June 18 the measure, titled “Declaring the First Day of February of Every Year as the National Day of Awareness on Hijab and Other Traditional Garments and Attire.”
RA 12224 aims to promote diversity, tolerance, and understanding of various religious and cultural beliefs through the recognition of traditional clothing such as hijabs, head coverings, and indigenous attire.
The law tapped the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to spearhead activities and programs such as exhibits and symposiums to raise awareness on the use of the hijab, head coverings, and indigenous attire and highlight the cultural significance of traditional dress in the Philippines.
The law, however, states that participation in the activities is entirely voluntary and should not be construed as a requirement or prohibition of the wearing of specific garments or clothing.
