By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Mark Villar has filed a bill seeking to establish Muslim prayer rooms in public offices and establishments.
Villar proposed Senate Bill No. 2288, known as the Act Mandating the Establishment of Muslim Prayer Rooms in All Public Offices and Establishments.
The bill mandates that all public offices and establishments nationwide designate and set up at least one separate Muslim prayer room within their premises. These offices and establishments would also be responsible for maintaining these prayer rooms.
Villar expressed gratitude for the opportunity to present the bill before the Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs.
“It is my honor to be a catalyst of change for our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Villar said in a statement.
“The Islamic faith requires our Muslim brothers and sisters to pray five times a day. Senate Bill No. 2288 seeks to ensure they have designated prayer rooms where they can pray in a quiet, clean, and dry space,” the senator added.
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MANILA — Sen. Cynthia Villar on Friday (June 22) guaranteed graduates of Bulacan State University that she joins them in reaching their dream of abundant agriculture, a developed economy, and food-sufficient Philippines.
Villar was the Speaker at the Commencement Exercises of the said university where she served as a Board of Regents member when she was a Congresswoman.
“My dear graduates, as you embark on the next chapter of your lives, remember that true education goes beyond textbooks and exams and extends far beyond the walls of this institution,” said Villar.
As educated individuals, she told graduates it is their duty to use their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the world around them.
“Let us remember that education is not just a privilege; it is a call to action. You have the privilege of education, and with it, the responsibility to uplift those who are less fortunate,” said Villar.
She further reminded the graduates it is incumbent upon them to use their knowledge, skills, and resources to create opportunities.
They are also bound to empower individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty and adversity.
“While we are on the issue of poverty and adversity, our agriculture sector is faced with tremendous challenges, despite the fact that we are an agricultural country,” she lamented.
Regrettably, she emphasized that our farmers continue to endure poverty, making them among the most economically disadvantaged groups in our country.
Because of this, as a Senator and l chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Food, and Agrarian Reform, she’s working hard improve the lives of our farmers.
“I ensure that every legislation I create is tailored towards addressing the needs of our agriculture sector, promoting food security, and increasing the income of our farmers,” she added. (ia/mtvn)