President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12224, officially declaring February 1 of every year as the “National Day of Awareness on Hijab and Other Traditional Garments and Attire.”
The new law 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.
Under the measure, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) are tasked with spearheading activities and programs to raise awareness.
These include exhibits and symposiums highlighting the cultural significance of traditional dress in the Philippines.
The law emphasizes that participation is entirely voluntary, stating that it shall not be construed to require or prohibit the wearing of specific garments or clothing.
RA 12224 is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1410 and House Bill No. 5693. It was passed by the Senate on February 3, 2025, and the House of Representatives on February 5, 2025.
It was signed into law on June 18, 2025, and will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
