MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has approved the inclusion of 'HIJAB' in the uniform of female Muslim Coast Guard personnel effective on 25 January 2022.

The Muslim community of the PCG conveyed their sincere gratitude to PCG Commandant, CG Admiral Leopoldo V Laroya; PCG Uniform Board Chairperson, CG Vice Admiral Artemio M Abu; as well as to PCG senior officers and other members of the PCG Uniform Board for supporting the establishment of the identity of the 'MUSLIM FATIMA' in the Coast Guard service.

Members of the said community hope that the inclusion of the hijab in the official PCG uniform will encourage more Muslim women to join the Coast Guard workforce.

'Hijab' is an Arabic word that means 'being covered'. Islam requires Muslim women to cover themselves in public and in the presence of people who are not 'mahram' which refers to family members or persons who are allowed to see Muslim women without cover.

As Prophet Muhammad said: “If a woman reaches the age of puberty, no part of her body should be seen but this, and he pointed to his face and hand”. (PCG)