Filipino students told to participate in Eid'l Fitr festival

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Aug. 19, 2011) - For the first time in the history of the Department of Education, it has issued an advisory encouraging students to participate in the Eid'l Fitr Festival from September 2-4 at the SM Mall of Asia.

Vice President Jejomar Binay will be the keynote speaker and guest-of-honor during the opening ceremonies.

Thru the Festival, young people in Metro Manila will have an opportunity to share a joyous occasion with the Muslims of the Philippines and learn about the culture and traditions of the Muslim tribes.

Muslims all over the world are eagerly anticipating the Holy Month of Ramadan this August, fasting from sun-up to sun-down to cleanse themselves of sin.

At the end of Ramadan, the Islamic world will celebrate the Eid’l Fitr, the Feast of the Breaking of the Fast. A national holiday by virtue of Republic Act No. 9177, Eid’l Fitr, or Hariraya Puasa, is an occasion of joy and thanksgiving among Muslims, shared with non-Muslims.

This year, the Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc. (MKFI), with the support of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, the Department of Tourism, the Metro Manila Development Authority, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, will organize the Eid’l Fitr Festival on September 02 - 04 at the SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Proceeds will benefit MKFI’s literacy and scholarship programs in Mindanao to help improve economic and social integration of Filipino Muslims into a modern democratic society.

Envisioned to become an annual activity, the three-day Festival aims to a) create a better understanding and appreciation among Filipinos of ethnic, racial and religious diversity in the country; b)showcase the richness and diversity of the cultural heritage of Muslims in the Philippines; c)forge stronger social, cultural, as well as economic partnership between Muslims and non-Muslims; d)create a positive environment of mutual trust and confidence among Muslims and non- Muslims; and, e)provide an attraction for tourist arrivals from the Islamic countries who go on vacation during the Eid’l Fitr.

The Festival will have the following components – an art exhibit of works by the first and only Muslim National Artist for Visual Arts, Abdulmari Imao, and the artists he has inspired; a trade fair of Muslim and Mindanao products; showcases of institutions and government units on peace and development; and cultural presentations.

The Young Moro Professionals Network will be presenting Moro dances, games, food, clothes, music during the cultural presentations each day at the Music Hall of the Mall of Asia. (Amina Rasul)