President Duterte on Tuesday, July 20, reminded Filipinos of the “profound value and meaning” of their sacrifices “amid life’s difficulties” during the country’s observance of the Eid’l Adha or Feast of the Sacrifice.
In his message, the Chief Executive said that “this significant occasion continues to serve as a testament to the unyielding faith of the Muslim community.”
“It is my sincere hope that our Muslim 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,” Duterte added.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, and Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar also sent their greetings to the Muslim community, highlighting the importance of togetherness in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Roque said that the occasion should not only deepen Filipinos’ faith, but it should also “reminds us of the values of selflessness and hope that would bind us together in building a society with mutual respect, harmony, and understanding.”
The Palace official urged Filipinos to “reach out to one another, set aside our differences, and join hands to overcome the great challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic that we as a people are facing at this time.”
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Panelo, on the other hand, recognized the “personal sacrifices” Filipinos are making “for the welfare of others.”
He mentioned that Filipinos are sacrificing their social activities despite the discomfort “for the sake of everyone's safety and well-being.”
“We hope that this occasion would also deepen our faith in our Creator and reinforce our obedience to His teachings even as we encourage Filipinos to continue being united despite our diverse beliefs and cultures,” he said.
Andanar wished for “this holy instance to inspire” Filipinos to come together to defeat and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic through availing of the government’s vaccination program.
He reminded Muslim devotees who will celebrate “devotion, kindness, and equality” to “please continue to follow the health protocols promulgated by the government.”
“May we also continue to achieve societal development and progress against communal ills and difficulties, particularly from this global health crisis, as Allah expects from all Muslims,” Andanar added.
Eid’l Adha commemorates the willingness of prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah.
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It is one of the two most important holidays in the Muslim calendar. The other is the celebration of Eid’l Fitr or the end of Ramadan.