President Rodrigo Duterte joined the Filipino-Muslim community in celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan and giving thanks to the Almighty for sustaining and blessing them during the month-long fasting.
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, I join the entire Filipino-Muslim community in celebrating Eid’l Fitr,” Duterte said in his message.
Duterte added: “May this even inspire you to remain models not only of the Islamic faith, but also of goodwill and compassion for all of humanity,” as he wished for the “blessed and meaningful celebration” of the end of Ramadan.
“In this festive conclusion of the holy month of Ramadan, our Muslim brothers and sisters are given the chance to revel in the enlightenment and connection that they have received from Allah.”
“We have been sustained greatly by our faith in the past years when our nation faced the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“Let us therefore be truly grateful for the constant guidance and provision we have received all throughout this whole ordeal,” he added.
The President said that he hopes that the spirits of the Filipino Muslims are “truly refreshed” while their strength are “fully renewed.”
Eid’l Fitr, also known as Hari Raya Puasa, marks the end of Ramadan, the month when Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset.
At the same time, Duterte has declared May 3 as a regular holiday for the observance of Eid’l Fitr.
Duterte signed Proclamation 1356 on Sunday but was released by the Palace only Monday.
Meanwhile, leaders of the House of Representatives greeted the Muslim community on the celebration of the Eid’l Fitr.
Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Majority Leader Martin Romualdez also called for unity and peace among all sectors of society.
“We would like to extend our warmest greetings and best wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrating Eid’l Fitr, the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan,” Velasco said.
“During Eid, Muslims celebrate the completion of their fast and the blessings of renewed faith that have come with it. It marks a new beginning for them and a reason to celebrate,” Velasco added.
Romualdez, for his part, said the entire nation joined the Muslim community in the celebration not just to honor the country’s Islamic heritage, but also to recognize and appreciate the many achievements and contributions of Muslim Filipinos to peace- and nation-building.