November 7 Declared National Working Holiday Honoring Muslim Filipinos — Marcos
Signed into law on July 9, 2025, Republic Act No. 12228 designates the day as Sheikh Karim'ul Makhdum Day, commemorating the arrival of the Arab missionary who introduced Islam to the Philippines and built the first mosque in Tawi-Tawi.
The law affirms the government's commitment to religious inclusivity and recognizes the essential contributions of Muslim Filipinos to Philippine history and identity. Related Articles
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Filipino Times
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Marcos Hails Reduced US Tariff as Major Win Despite Criticism Over Trade Deal
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. defended the Philippines' newly signed trade arrangement with the United States, describing the reduced 19 percent tariff on Philippine exports—down from the proposed 20 percent—as a meaningful step forward. Speaking after his bilateral meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House, Marcos said the 1 percent drop, while seemingly small, is a 'significant achievement' when applied to actual trade volumes. While the agreement also allows more U.S. goods like vehicles, farm products, and medicine into Philippine markets, Marcos said it could result in lower prices for Filipino consumers, especially in healthcare. He acknowledged the 19 percent tariff remains relatively high but emphasized that the deal serves as a foundation for future trade talks and improvements. Calling it a 'template,' Marcos expressed optimism that it will pave the way for better economic relations with the U.S., which remains the Philippines' top export destination, accounting for $1.1 billion in shipments in May 2025 alone.
Sharjah 24
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Arab Parliament for the Child welcomes delegations to Sharjah
The session will be held from 22 to 26 July 2025, under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, with the support and close follow-up of His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the Arab League. Djibouti and Palestine Among the First to Arrive Djibouti and Palestine were the first delegations to arrive at UAE airports, followed by the remaining participating countries: Morocco, Mauritania, Libya, the Sultanate of Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Republic of Iraq, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Lebanon, the State of Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. In total, 14 countries are represented, with 56 child parliamentarians accompanied by official representatives from their national parliaments and child-focused institutions. Warm Reception at UAE Airports Delegations were warmly welcomed by reception teams from the General Secretariat of the Arab Parliament for the Child, in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Sharjah Consultative Council and the Parliament's institutional partners. Children and accompanying officials were received with generous Emirati hospitality, provided with all necessary facilities, transported to their accommodation in Sharjah, and briefed on the session's schedule and planned activities. A Dialogue Platform on Cultural Identity The event forms part of the Arab Parliament for the Child's commitment to empowering Arab children to voice their perspectives on childhood issues, enhance their dialogue skills, and strengthen their awareness of Arab cultural identity. This year, the child parliamentarians will discuss the theme 'The Cultural Identity of the Arab Child' during a wide-ranging dialogue session that reflects their visions and provides a pioneering Arab model of parliamentary work for children. Message from the Secretary-General On this occasion, His Excellency Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of the Arab Parliament for the Child, welcomed the arrival of the delegations, noting that Sharjah's hosting of this significant event reflects the visionary leadership's dedication to child development. He said: 'We are pleased to welcome Arab child parliamentarians from across the region to Sharjah, a city that embraces their dreams and offers them a platform to speak, engage, and practise their parliamentary roles in a safe and open environment. The participation of 14 Arab countries underscores the growing status of the Arab Parliament for the Child and embodies the spirit of Arab unity for a brighter future for our children.' Looking Forward to an Enriching Session Al Barout added: 'We value the institutional partnerships that support the Parliament in fulfilling its mission, and we look forward to a fruitful and enriching session that will broaden the horizons of the Arab child and deepen their connection to their identity and heritage. All of this takes place in an environment that nurtures innovation and meaningful dialogue. The official session, set to open under the dome of the Arab Parliament for the Child, will stand as a meeting point of childhood and leadership, of ideas and aspirations—a moment the Arab world will witness with pride, from east to west.'
