Monday, August 5, 2013

DOT joins Filipino Muslims in Eid’l Fitr Festival

 

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This is a good move for the government to promote all what our country whatever region ,  religion, race and culture every member of the society we may have been. And it is one of the move that may bring to a lasting peace to every group that may have some kind of problem with the previous administration.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Promotions Board (TBP) have stepped up support for this year’s Eid’l Fitr celebrations from 9-11 August , 2013 at the Atrium/  The Block SM North, Quezon City and in other areas of the country.

The Eid’l Fitr Festival, organized by the Magbasa Kita Foundation, Inc. led by its Chaiperson, former Senator Santanina Rasul, will feature a variety of activities from country displays by the different Islamic embassies in the country; institutional exhibits by Local Government Units (LGU’s), government agencies, and donor agencies working on peace and development initiatives; trade fair products from Mindanao; fashion exhibit on traditional Muslim attires; Interactive Salam Villages; and cultural presentations.

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An Art Exhibit is also scheduled from 2-8 of August 2013 at the Podium, Mandaluyong City to kcik start the Festival with works of world-renowned craftsmen led by Abdulmari Imao and fashion creations by Pitoy Moreno.

Eid’l Fitr (also known as (Eid-al-Fitr, Id-Ul-Fitr, Eid) is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal signaling the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting and prayer. Eid literally means festivity and after a month-long sacrifice, Eid’l Fitr (Festival of fast-breaking) is looked forward to as a period of merriment, sharing, and forgiveness.

In 2002, the Eid’l Fitr was recognized as a national holiday by  with the Muslim communityhe government, making the Philippines the first predominantly Christian country worldwide to have done so. The proclamation was enacted to promote peace and harmony among all major religions in the country.

The DOT is one with our Muslim brothers and sisters in this years celebration of Eidl Fitr . As in the past, our participation is a constant recognition of the close affinity and deep appreciation of our cultural diversity that lends more beauty to our country. The Eid’l Fitr celebration provides opportunities to showcase the best of Muslim culture and traditions, as well as enable guests and even strangers to experience the practice of thanksgiving and sharing. The Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, a milestone achievement forged under President Aquino’s administration, is one among the many reasons why this year’s celebration is more meaningful”, DOT Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.

The DOT has rallied various tourism-oriented establishments to support the festival. Among the mall chains with sale and activities are SM (Bicutan, Quiapo, Davao, Lanang, GenSan) , Robinsons (Robinson Place and Starmalls in Pampanga) and Ayala (Glorietta 2 in Makati City, Trinoma in Quezon City and Market Market in Taguig City ). On the other hand, restaurants offering Halal foods are the following Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP) members,; Bacolod Chicken Inasal in Greenhills, Coffee Shop of Bayview Park Hotel, Cafe in the Park of Century Park Hotel, Riviera Cafe of Heritage Hotel, Market Cafe of Hyatt Regency Hotel and Casino and Circles of Makati Shangri-La.

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The TBP, as the Marketing arm of the DOT, intends to institutionalize annual support to the Eid. TBP Chief Operating Officer Domingo Ramon C. Enerio III said, “Festival support is just one aspect. What is more important is capacitating local government and communities to enhance existing and develop new tourism products. Our industry is likewise excited by the prospects of a peaceful Mindanao. Our brand campaign will ring truer as this unfolds.”

“We are thankful for the support of this establishments who have responded to our call for participation. The success of Eid’l Fitr is also a testament to the government and people support for the peace process towards the sustainable development of Mindanao. Tourism is a vehicle to achieve inclusive growth and Mindanao can very well capitalize on its rich natural and cultural resources. We enjoin every Filipino to take an active role in making the entire country a peaceful, more fun, and must-experience destination in Asia”, Secretary Jimenez added.

 

For more pictures  regarding on this event pls click this link, https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.478027072293652.1073741949.348405828589111&type=3

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