THE NATIONAL Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) announced on Tuesday that Ramadan 1447 Hijrah will start on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026.
The pronouncement follows after the moon was not sighted during the sighting activity on February 17, conducted by the NCMF, in coordination with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Darul Ifta, and various Ulama groups.
“As such, it is hereby officially declared that the Ramadhan 1447 Hijrah will commence on Thursday, February 19, 2026,” NCMF said in a statement.
NCMF extended greetings to the Muslim Filipinos and to all Muslim brothers and sisters living and working across the country as the community welcomes the month of Ramadan.
“This sacred time reminds us that faith is strengthened through patience, compassion, and sincere devotion. As the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim),” the agency said.
“May this divine promise inspire us to renew our hearts, uplift one another, and walk together in mercy, unity, and peace,” it added.
In an advisory issued Jan. 20, NCMF reminded that all NCMF Muslim officials and employees are advised to observe the modified office hours as provided for in Civil Service Resolution No. 81-1277 dated November 13, 1981.
NCMF stressed this is in line with the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadhan 1447H, which is projected to start on February 19.
According to the resolution, during Ramadhan, the fasting month (30 days for the Muslims), the Civil Service Official Time of 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. is hereby modified to 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The resolution added that the modified time will be observed without a noon break, and the difference of two hours is not counted as undertime.
All Non-Muslim employees, on the other hand, are required to continue observing the regular working hours.
During the month, Muslims observing Ramadan will refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to dusk, typically for a period of 12 to 15 hours.
