15 October 2004 – In observance of the Muslim holy month of Ramadhan, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alberto G. Romulo instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs Home Office and the Philippine Foreign Service to allow their Muslim personnel to follow alternative office hours that harmonize with their work schedule and their obligations during the holy month of fasting.

Ramadhan, which officially begins today, is observed by Muslims throughout the world, including the Philippines and under Civil Service Commission regulations, Muslims employed by the government are given the right to hold office hours that deviate from the usual 8 AM-5 PM schedule.    According to the office order signed by Secretary Romulo, Muslim personnel of the DFA are allowed to go to work at 7:30 AM and leave at 3:00 PM.

In connection with the Secretary’s instructions, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) announced a revised office schedule for the entire Embassy to coincide with the observance of Ramadhan.  Philippine Embassy in Riyadh Vice Consul Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan reported to the DFA that, during the period, the Embassy would observe a shortened office schedule every Saturday to Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Vice Consul Usudan added that on 11 and 18 November 2004, both Thursdays, the Embassy would be closed to public transactions in observance of the Eid el-Fitr (celebration of the breaking of the fast) holiday.  The end of the holy month of Ramadhan is signaled by the sighting of the new moon.

To facilitate transactions with the Embassy during the revised office hours, Vice Consul Usudan advised the Filipino community in KSA to come to the Embassy only during the hours indicated during the Ramadhan period.  The Embassy’s normal working hours will resume on 20 November.  END.