Marcos to Pinoys on Eid’l Fitr: Set aside differences

MANILA, Philippines — As he joined the Muslim community in the celebration of Eid’l Fitr yesterday, President Marcos called on Filipinos to set aside their differences and work together to attain the shared aspiration of a more progressive Philippines.

“Let us strive to forge a society where love prevails over indifference, where faith outshines doubt and fear and where oneness conquers division and discord,” the President said.

“It is also my sincere hope that, despite our diversity in beliefs and philosophies, we will remain united by our shared aspiration for a more progressive and resilient nation moving forward,” Marcos said.

He said Eid’l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan is an opportunity to give thanks for the spiritual renewal and nourishment that come after a month of prayer, sacrifice and penance.

“As you take to heart the insights from your devotion, may you become shining examples of humility, peace and strength among our people as they overcome challenges and nurture their trust in the Almighty,” Marcos added.

Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte reminded Filipinos to be forgiving and humble as the country celebrates Eid’l Fitr.

“The end of Ramadan reminds us to be humble, forgiving and deepen our faith. May we continue to live the teachings of the Qur’an and the Prophet Muhammad and promote goodness to our neighbors,” she said.

Duterte said despite differences, it is crucial for Filipinos to have unity, respect and love for country.

Speaker Martin Romualdez extolled the contributions of the Filipino Muslim community in nation building on the occasion of Eid’l Fitr.

“The Philippines is home to a vibrant Muslim community whose contributions have greatly enriched our great nation,” he said.

The House leader said Ramadan teaches the values of patience, empathy and self-discipline, and it is a time for introspection, where individuals strive for personal growth and spiritual enlightenment.

“Through fasting and acts of charity, Muslims demonstrate their commitment to compassion and generosity, reaching out to those in need and fostering solidarity within their communities,” Romualdez stated.

“May this Eid bring not only joy but also renewed hope and optimism for our shared future. Let us carry forward the values of compassion, generosity and unity that define this occasion, extending kindness and goodwill to all,” he added.

Jalal Jamil, grand imam of the Manila Golden Mosque in Quiapo, urged the faithful to keep loving despite differences.

“My message to our brother Muslims is may we live up to the lessons we learned during Ramadan, let us keep the love and do not let our differences separate us,” he told The STAR.

During the Eid gatherings, Muslim leaders and Islamic theologians in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and in Soccsksargen called on their constituents to continue supporting multi-sector cultural and religious-solidarity programs complementing the peace overture of the government and southern Moro communities.

“Islam has very extensive teachings on religious tolerance and about the obligation of every Muslim to be in peace with people with different religions. That should encourage us to be instruments of religious solidarity,” said Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr.

Peaceful Eid

The Manila Police District said assemblies during the morning prayers for Eid’l Fitr were peaceful.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) ensured the smooth conduct of festivities with the deployment of 800 police officers in areas with significant Muslim populations in Metro Manila, according to police district head Brig. Gen. Wilson Asueta.

Despite the volume of people, Taguig police chief Col. Robert Baesa said this year’s observance of Eid’l Fitr was “generally peaceful.”

Around 15,000 Muslims gathered inside and outside the Quiapo mosque to mark the end of Ramadan. Another 5,000 gathered at the Blue Mosque in Taguig City while 1,500 filled the open grounds of Quirino Grandstand for the morning prayers.

Among those who joined were citizens of the state of Palestine who evacuated to the Philippines.

Bangsamoro regional police director Brig. Gen. Prexy Tanggawohn and Major Gen. Alex Rillera of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division also remarked that the Eid rites in areas under their jurisdiction were peaceful and organized with the support of local government units, some under Christian mayors.

Some Christian local executives set a precedent yesterday by reaching out to Muslims in designated Eid’l Fitr worship sites, providing food and bottled water as offerings.

Muslim officials in the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region said they also appreciated the distribution of food and drinks in mosques for iftar, the first meal after a day-long fast.

Under Proclamation 514, April 10 was declared a regular holiday “in order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness” and “allow the entire Filipino nation to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony.” — Neil Jayson Servallos, Delon Porcalla, John Felix Unson, Nillicent Bautista, Ghio Ong, Jose Rodel Clapano, Emmanuel Tupas