ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Apr 19 (PIA) – Governor Jim Hataman-Salliman signed on April 18 the Executive Order No. 2023-22 series 2023 or An Order Declaring An Academic Break on April 19 and 20, 2023 in the Province of Basilan.

Executive Order No. 2023-22 series 2023 was signed to ensure health and safety of students and teachers as they perform and observe religious practices in the last remaining days of Holy Month of Ramadan.

The EO is in support to Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution, which provides that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.

The said EO is also pursuant to the General Welfare Clause provided under Section 16 of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991, where local government units shall ensure and promote health and safety, and preserve the comfort and convenience of their inhabitants within their respective territorial jurisdictions.

The Holy Month of Ramadan for this year is being observed from March 23 - April 21. This is one of the most sacred times for Muslims where they observe a strict daily fast from dawn until sunset. Ramadan will end during Eid al-Fitr on April 21.

April 21, 2023 is a regular holiday throughout the country by virtue of Proclamation No. 201 of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in observance of Eid’l Fitr to allow the entire Filipino nation to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration. (RVC/EDT/NDR/PIA Basilan)