ZAMBOANGA CITY - The city government of Zamboanga is informing the public that January 13 and 31, 2014 are legal and special holidays, respectively.
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos regional office has announced that Jan. 13 is a legal Muslim holiday dabbed “Maulidun Nabi (s.a.w.)” or the Birthday of Prophet Mohammad (pbuh).
The date corresponds to Rabia-ul Awwal 12, 1435 Hijra of the Muslim Lunar Calendar and is recognized as one of the legal Muslim holidays in the Philippines, pursuant to PD 1083, otherwise known as Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines.
Under Article 170 of said decree, Muslim holidays shall be officially observed in the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, and in the cities of Cotabato, Iligan, Marawi, Pagadian and Zamboanga and in such other Muslim provinces and cities as may hereafter be created. Upon proclamation by the President of the Philippines, Muslim holidays may also be officially observed in other provinces and cities.
Earlier on, Malacañang has also declared January 31 as a special non-working holiday in the country in celebration of the Chinese New Year. (Vic Larato)
