Honoring Faith and History: DepEd Leads National Commemoration of Sheikh Karim’ul Makhdum Day

My Tagaytay | PASAY CITY, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) joined the nation and the Muslim community in commemorating Sheikh Karim’ul Makhdum Day, a newly declared national working holiday that honors the 14th-century missionary who introduced Islam to the Philippines and established the country’s first mosque.

The observance, held on November 7, stems from the passage of Republic Act No. 12228, signed into law on July 9, 2025. The legislation formally recognizes Sheikh Karim’ul Makhdum’s legacy and designates the date as a special national working holiday. The law was principally authored by Education Secretary Sonny Angara, with co-authors Senators Francis Tolentino, Joel Villanueva, and Bong Go, and sponsored by Senator Robinhood Padilla.

“Sheikh Karim’ul Makhdum’s journey reminds us that the seeds of faith were also seeds of knowledge,” said Secretary Angara. “His story is proof that education, whether through books, belief, or tradition, has always been our nation’s path to peace and understanding.”

The commemorative program, held at Cuneta Elementary School in Pasay City, highlighted the importance of integrating Islamic heritage into the broader narrative of Philippine history and education. DepEd Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Fatima G. Panontongan encouraged learners and educators to reflect on the enduring values of faith and learning.

“As we celebrate Sheikh Karim’ul Makhdum Day, let us continue to keep alive our renewed faith and hope in learning,” Panontongan said. “This celebration serves as both a reminder and an inspiration of the life of Sheikh Karim’ul Makhdum, who once brought the light of knowledge to our land.”

In a separate message, Samira Gutoc, Director for Muslim Affairs under Senator Padilla’s office, praised Secretary Angara’s efforts in institutionalizing the holiday and fostering unity between Muslim and non-Muslim communities.

“This is a national fiesta of understanding and peace,” Gutoc said. “History can build bridges of peace and understanding that can shape our youth.”

Gutoc also emphasized the significance of the celebration in strengthening ties with ASEAN neighbors and reaffirming the spiritual peace that this commemoration brings to Muslims in the Philippines and beyond.

Why Sheikh Karim’ul Makhdum Day Matters

The establishment of Sheikh Karim’ul Makhdum Day is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a recognition of the rich Islamic heritage that has shaped Filipino culture for centuries. It also reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive education, interfaith dialogue, and historical awareness.

By embedding this observance into the national calendar, DepEd and its partners aim to promote respect for religious diversity, cultural understanding, and the role of education in peacebuilding.