DFA Holds Public Forum on Understanding the Hijab

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo (fourth from right) with Madame Pamela Louise Manalo (fourth from left) with the Guests of Honor from left: First District of Lanao Del Norte Representative Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo, Lone District of Quirino Representative Midy N. Cua, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Deputy Executive Director Atty. Jehan-Jehan A. Lepail, First District of Maguindanao and Cotabato City Representative Sittie Shahara I. Mastura, actress and spouse of Senator Robinhood Padilla Mrs. Mariel Padilla, and Ms. Queenie Padilla. (DFA-OPCD photo by Andrea Pascual)

PASAY CITY 09 March 2023 — To increase public awareness and appreciation of the virtues of wearing the hijab, a cultural and religious symbol for Muslim women, the DFA’s Department Legislative Liaison Unit (DLLU), Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy (OPCD), and Office of Middle East and African Affairs (OMEAA), in cooperation with the DFA Muslim Personnel Association, successfully organized "A Public Forum on Understanding the Hijab" held at the DFA Carlos P. Romulo Library on 09 March 2023 to coincide with the DFA’s National Women’s Month celebration. 

Secretary for Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo in his welcome remarks highlighted that this public forum puts the spotlight on a different side of women’s rights discourse - the perspective of Muslim Filipinas through the hijab. “This should be one of the end goals of cultural diplomacy - to foster not just understanding but inclusivity as well. Every point of view is heard, everyone gets to have a seat at the table, and that no one gets left behind. That, in essence, is the mission of DFA - to promote and protect every Filipino’s interest, regardless of religion or gender, in the global community,” Secretary Manalo added. 

First District of Maguindanao and Cotabato City Representative, and principal author of House Bill 5693 declaring every February 1 as National Hijab Day, Congresswoman Sittie Shahara I. Mastura shared that she found comfort and pride in wearing the hijab. “Wearing the hijab must be accompanied by hijab of the eyes, hijab of the heart, hijab of thought, and hijab of intention,” Congresswoman Mastura emphasized. 

Also gracing the event were First District of Lanao Del Norte Representative Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo, Lone District of Quirino Representative Midy N. Cua, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Deputy Executive Director Atty. Jehan-Jehan A. Lepail, actress and spouse of Senator Robinhood Padilla Mrs. Mariel Padilla, and Ms. Queenie Padilla, who shared their respective insights on the topic. 

Congressman Dimaporo provided a background on House Bill No. 5693 and Senate Bill No. 1410 that aim to institutionalize the observance of National Hijab Day. Meanwhile, actress Mariel Padilla shared her own experience as a Catholic woman married to a Muslim man. 

DFA Ladies Foundation, Inc. Chairperson Madame Pamela Louise Manalo and Representative Cua volunteered to wear the hijab as Queenie Padilla gave a demonstration on how to properly wear it. 

“Awareness is the seed of understanding, and with understanding comes respect and tolerance,” Assistant Secretary for Public and Cultural Diplomacy Arvin de Leon said in his closing remarks. “Hijab is not only an expression of faith, but also an expression of empowerment,” Assistant Secretary De Leon added. END

Moderator Atty. Ashyanna Alexine Bangcola with the panelists from left: First District of Lanao Del Norte Representative Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo, Lone District of Quirino Representative Midy N. Cua, National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Deputy Executive Director Atty. Jehan-Jehan A. Lepail, actress and spouse of Senator Robinhood Padilla Mariel Padilla, and Ms. Queenie Padilla. (DFA-OPCD photo by Andrea Pascual)

DFA Ladies Foundation, Inc. (DFALF) Chairperson Madame Pamela Louise Manalo (third from right) and Representative Midy Cua (third from left), together with the other officers of DFALF proudly wear their hijabs. (DFA-OPCD photo by Andrea Pascual)