Through the representation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) headed by Secretary Bai Omera D. Dianalan Lucman, the management of the Saudi Arabian Airlines has granted pilgrims from the Philippines a US$1,400 fare each, lower by $100 compared to 2009.

She said NCMF is projecting at least 4,000 pilgrims this year to join over two million others from across the world for the massive religious event in Makkah.

"Based on the enthusiasm for the umrah (minor hajj) where 700 Filipinos performed it this year, we are projecting at least 4,000 for the main hajj," said Lucman.

Lucman made this announcement Tuesday as she thanked in behalf of the Filipino pilgrims the management of the Saudi flag carrier, which in the Philippines is headed by Country Manager Abdullah Al-Azhari.

Lucman lauded Saudi Ambassador Abdullah Ibrahim Al Hassan for responding and addressing the welfare of Filipino pilgrims.

She said the two-way fare for Hajj 2010 for each adult pilgrim is $1,400; children $1,050; and infant $140.

Adult and children are required to pay a Saudi departure tax of $14 each.

NCMF and the Saudi airlines have scheduled the first flight for the pilgrimage on October 19 and the last on Nov. 10.

Ceasar Maranda, director of NCMF's Bureau of Pilgrimage and Endowment (BPE), said "uqof" or Standing in Arafat, the paramount rite of the five-day, is tentatively set by the Saudi government on November 15.

Maranda said they are not yet announcing the cost of "mutawiff" (fees for housing, food and transportation) for the hajj, because the NCMF is still awaiting results of its request for a lower price.

He said pilgrims have started registering last.

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. Adult Muslims who are financially, physically and mentally capable are obliged to perform pilgrimage once in their lifetime.