FEBRUARY 19, 2026 — The crescent moon may not have shown itself, but the announcement is official: Ramadan in the Philippines starts on Thursday, February 19. Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani of the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta made the declaration at the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City after nationwide moon-sighting activities confirmed no sighting of the new moon. Teams were deployed not only in the Bangsamoro region but also in Iligan, Misamis Oriental, and other parts of the country to ensure accuracy.

“With that premise and by the authority vested in me as Bangsamoro Mufti, I, Abdulrauf A. Guialani, hereby announce that the crescent moon was not sighted today. Therefore, Ramadan fasting 2026 will officially commence on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, In Shaa Allah,” he declared.

For the next 30 days, Muslims across the nation will observe fasting, one of the pillars of Islam. 

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao explained: “In Islam, sawm (fasting) is among the pillars of the religion that promotes discipline, strengthens spiritual connection with Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala), and helps in body detoxification for healthy living.”

To accommodate this sacred practice, Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua issued a memorandum adjusting work hours for Muslim officials and employees: 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., no noon break, but still a full 40-hour work week. After Eid’l Fitr, schedules will return to normal.

Ramadan is a shift in rhythm for millions of Filipinos. It’s about waking before dawn, breaking fast at sunset, and spending nights in prayer. It’s about discipline, reflection, and community. And for the rest of us, it’s a reminder of how faith traditions shape the everyday lives of our neighbors, colleagues, and friends.

In a country as diverse as ours, Ramadan is not just a Muslim observance — it’s a national moment of respect and coexistence.

(Image: Philippine News Agency)