SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go commended the enactment of Republic Act No. 12224, which officially designates February 1 of every year as the National Day of Awareness on Hijab and Other Traditional Garments and Attire, describing it as a significant step toward deepening cultural understanding and reinforcing mutual respect among Filipinos.
Go, who co-authored the measure in the Senate, emphasized that recognizing diversity in culture and belief is essential to fostering unity, especially in a country as pluralistic as the Philippines.
“Sa ating bansa, likas na po ang pagkakaroon ng iba’t ibang paniniwala, pananamit, at kultura. Ang mahalaga ay ‘yung paggalang natin sa isa’t isa — dahil kung wala nito, wala ring pagkakaisa,” the senator said.
Signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 18, the law aims to promote awareness of traditional garments—such as the hijab—and encourage inclusive dialogue on cultural identity and religious freedom. It tasks the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) with leading educational campaigns and community-based activities every February 1.
The law also clarifies that the observance is voluntary, reaffirming the freedom of individuals to choose whether or not to wear traditional attire and emphasizing the importance of respect for both personal and religious expression.
For Go, the significance of this law lies not just in its formal recognition but also in its potential to confront stereotypes and foster long-term understanding.
“Hindi kailangan maging magkapareho ang pananaw para magkaroon ng respeto,” Go explained. “Ang mahalaga, may puwang para makilala ang kultura at paniniwala ng bawat isa, lalo na ang mga matagal nang naisantabi.”
This legislative achievement complements Go’s broader efforts to uplift marginalized sectors, particularly Muslim Filipinos and Indigenous Peoples. He co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1273, or the Equal Access to Public Cemeteries Bill, which seeks to ensure that cultural practices related to burial are respected and accommodated in public cemeteries.
In parallel, he also filed SBN 2917, the Delayed Registration of Birth Act of 2025, to address the plight of an estimated 3.7 million unregistered Filipinos, many of whom belong to Indigenous communities. If passed into law, the bill aims to simplify the registration process and waive indigent fees, providing a pathway toward legal identity and access to essential services.
Go’s advocacy extends beyond legislation. He has consistently pushed to increase funding for the NCMF, aiming to expand programs such as Hajj subsidies, educational scholarships, community health services, and development initiatives that support Muslim Filipinos nationwide.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, Go views these interventions as part of a broader effort to affirm the dignity and historical contributions of communities that have long been excluded from mainstream narratives.
“Sa ganitong paraan, nabibigyan natin ng boses ‘yung mga kababayan nating matagal nang hindi napapakinggan. Nakikilala ang kanilang kasaysayan, kultura, at dangal,” he said.
He also called on local governments, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to actively participate in the observance by organizing initiatives that deepen understanding of Filipino cultural diversity.
“Magandang pagkakataon ito para sa mga paaralan at pamahalaang lokal na maglunsad ng mga aktibidad na magpapalalim ng kaalaman ng kabataan tungkol sa ating pagkakaiba-iba,” Go added.
The senator closed by underscoring that national progress depends on embracing the full spectrum of Filipino heritage.
“Kung gusto talaga nating umunlad bilang isang bansa, kailangan nating yakapin ang kabuuan ng ating pagkatao — kasama na ‘yung mga kasuotan, kaugalian, at pananampalatayang bumubuo sa atin,” he said.
