In recognition of the vital contributions of Muslim Filipinos in the development of the country’s culture and civilization, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared November 7 of each year as a special national working holiday.

President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12228 on July 9, 2025, which designated November 7 as Sheikh Karim’ul Makhdum Day to commemorate the establishment of the country’s first mosque and the introduction of Islam in the Philippines.

The first Philippine mosque was erected in Tawi-Tawi, following the arrival of Shariff Karim’ul Makhdum, an Arab missionary who played a crucial role in propagating Islam in the region.

“It is the policy of the State to instill inclusivity to all regardless of religious beliefs, in line with the constitutional right to freely exercise and enjoy their religion,” Section 2 of RA 12228 read.

“Moreover, it is the State’s policy to provide due recognition to the indispensable contributions of Muslim Filipinos in the development of Philippine culture and civilization,” it added. | PND