Republic of the Philippines

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

NATIONAL COMMISSION ON MUSLIM FILIPINOS

MESSAGE OF NCMF SECRETARY SAIDAMEN B. PANGARUNGAN FOR THE

OBSERVANCE OF AMUN JADID

The Muslim Filipino community observes Amun Jadid or the Islamic New Year on
this day. In recognition of the diverse fabric of the nation and the indispensable
contribution of the Muslim Filipinos in both national heritage and progress, law
mandates that Amun Jadid be observed as a non-working holiday in various
provinces and other localities as may be declared by the President.

Although not observed as grandly as we celebrate Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha, the
passing of the year gives us an opportunity to reflect on our past actions while
hoping for a better and kinder year. In consonance with hope, may we also reassess
ourselves and re-center our thoughts and attention to the things that will make us
better in the many roles that we play: may it be as members of the Islamic faith,
citizens of the Philippines, residents of a locality, professionals, business owners,
employees, students or even as members of our respective families.

It is also a time for encouragement and fresh perspective. Now more than ever, we
need positive energy centered in personal responsibility and heroism to unite the
nation to heal and recover as one. It is time to follow guidelines set by the authorities
and get involved in government and community efforts to combat the challenge
brought about by the pandemic. It is time to give help in any way that we can to ease
each other’s burdens. Let us allay the worries and fears that we have with support to
our government and support to each other. Let us not be selfish of our resources and
even of words of encouragement. We can rise above this challenge if we work
together.

I resound my invitation to the Muslim Filipinos to offer supplications to Allah (SWT)

for continued strength and wisdom of our leaders, especially of our President, in the
fight against the pandemic. I ask you to include in your prayers the elimination of
divisive thought and malicious imputations that hinder our nation in these most trying
of times. I also implore you to storm the heavens with invocations for the global
medical and scientific community to quickly find a safe, sustainable and accessible
cure and vaccine.

Finally, it is also of utmost importance that we bring to the new year, the lessons and
learnings of the year that was. May we never forget how difficult the times we are
facing so that we may truly appreciate the forthcoming better times and that even in
times of hardships there are still a lot of things to be thankful for.

May we all have a bountiful, hopeful and prayerful year ahead.

79 Jocfer Annex Building, Commonwealth Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City Tel nos. (02) 952-4540/ (02) 952-4875
EmailL ncmf.osec@gmail.com Website: www.ncmf.gov.ph