President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday asked the Filipinos to remember their departed and encouraged them to help “alleviate the suffering of others” during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
In his statement, Duterte said he was one with the Christian faithful during the holidays.
“We Filipinos welcome the month of November with open hearts as we remember our saints and our dearly departed loved ones, whose lives have deeply inspired us to grow in faith, hope, and love,” Duterte said.
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“We are reminded that, even in death, our bonds with them remain.”
Duterte then called on the nation to “honor those who have gone before us in the grace of God.”
“Their legacy remains an important part of who we are today and we have much to gain from their virtuous example,” Duterte said.
“May their deeds inspire us to become advocates of peace and solidarity as we do our part in building our nation and alleviating the suffering of others.”
Duterte, who is known for his criticism of drug addicts and human rights advocates, asked to emulate the saints and pray for the eternal repose of the souls of the dead.
Malacañang suspended work in the government offices early Wednesday to give the public “full opportunity to observe All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1.”
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Memorandum Circular 51, signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, said the work suspension would allow government workers to travel to and from the different regions ahead of All Saints’ Day.
Nov. 1 (All Saints’ Day) and Nov. 2 (All Souls’ Day) are special non-working holidays.
Even with such declaration, Duterte is still expected to visit Benguet following another deadly landslide in the Mountain Province in the aftermath of Typhoon “Rosita.”
The Palace said Duterte would likely join an aerial inspection to assess the damage in the typhoon-ravaged areas.
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