Palace clarifies that Ramadan’s start on March 23 does not make it a holiday.

The Philippines will not observe a holiday on March 23 despite the start of the Muslim observance of Ramadan, according to the country’s Presidential Communications Office. The only date that will be considered a holiday is April 20, the end of Ramadan. During this sacred month, Muslims around the world will fast from dawn to sunset for 30 days, abstaining from food, drink and other physical needs while practicing self-discipline, spiritual reflection and acts of charity.