President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in pursuit of a shared goal of building a more inclusive society as the nation observed Eid’l Adha or the Feast of the Sacrifice Tuesday.
“This significant occasion continues to serve as a testament to the unyielding faith of the Muslim community. Its narrative remains a fervent remainder to the people that, even amid life’s difficulties and challenges, our sacrifices have profound value and meaning,” the President said in a message released by the Palace.
“It is my sincere hope that our Muslims brothers and sisters will find renewed faith and spirituality, especially when called to emulate Ibrahim’s devotion to his belief. I stand in solidarity with you in pursuing our shared goal of building a society that transcends religious, political, and cultural barriers.”
“May you have a solemn and meaningful observance. Eid Mubarak!”
Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday greeted “all Muslim families here and around the world, a very blessed Eid’l Adha,” the most important feast in the Muslim calendar.
“As we mark the Feast of Sacrifice this year, let us come together in solidarity, shared humanity, and the common good,” she said in her Facebook message.
“This day is a celebration of faith and its ability to endow us with the courage to meet any challenge. As we have seen countless times during this pandemic, there are more things that bring us together than tear us apart– kindness, compassion, and the genuine desire for a world where people of all faiths thrive and flourish under a banner of hope,” she added.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the observance of Eid'l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice among Filipino Muslims is a time to triumph despite challenges.
Sobejana said the significance of Eid'l Adha, one of the two holiest Islamic feasts celebrated by Muslims around the world, was shown during the C-130 plane crash in Patikul, Sulu on July 4 when the people near the site responded to help survivors.
This demonstrates solidarity in one of the most tragic accidents in the military.
"As we continue to face unprecedented challenges, we hope that every Muslim both here and elsewhere can find the time and space to strengthen our faith and spirit, to triumph over despair, and embrace a life dedicated to the service of those who are in need," Sobejana said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana reminded everyone about the need to reach out to others in the spirit of empathy and service.
"This holiday in the Islamic faith highlights the importance of unwavering devotion, fortitude and unity in times of trials. It is a chance for us to reflect on our values, with this auspicious day inspiring us to look beyond the comforts of our own lives and reach out to others in the spirit of empathy and service," he said.
Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar also greeted the Filipino Muslim community.
Eid'l Adha commemorates Prophet Abraham's sacrifice of his son as an act of obedience to God’s command.
Meanwhile, members and networks of the Marawi Reconstruction Conflict
Watch and International Alert Philippines said they would observe a minute of silence as an act of solidarity in the call for the immediate passage of the Marawi compensation bill and to honor the sacrifices of the people of Marawi in fighting for their right to return home and rebuild their lives.
The action signals the start of the campaign of a broad coalition of Marawi-based civil society organizations and community leaders to push the government to pass the Marawi compensation bill under the 18th Congress.