The coronavirus pandemic has become a difficult and challenging time for everyone but the nation's resilience and strong faith can help carry the country through this period, according to President Duterte.

The President encouraged Filipinos to continue to pray for the country's recovery from the pandemic, which has claimed many lives and affected the economies and livelihoods of many people.

Duterte sought the country's healing and fortitude in the face of the pandemic in his pre-recorded message during the virtual interfaith prayer meeting Sunday, May 30.

“The present COVID-19 pandemic has truly been a difficult and challenging time for all of us. In this time of trial, it is only right that we look to the Lord Almighty to guide us not only towards the path of righteousness but also to full recovery,” he said.

“As a resilient, strong, and faithful nation, let us put our trust in the Lord Almighty and hope that through our fervent prayers, he will heal our land,” he added.

As the country grapples with the impact of the pandemic, Duterte, in his prayer, said the nation was asking for the Lord's grace and blessing. "Please heal our land from the illness caused by COVID-19 and you are our only hope and strength amidst these trying times,” he said.

He also offered a prayer for the country's frontline workers, including the health professionals providing care to people infected with the coronavirus.

“Bless our medical frontliners and our health workers, bless our essential workers. Bless the workers in government and in the private sector who are helping our people to cope with this crisis. We are placing our future into your hands, we trust in you,” he said.

READ: Filipinos urged to join interfaith prayer on May 30

The President has also commended the organizers of “The Whole Nation: Pray As One! Heal As One!" interfaith prayer event, as the country was battling the pandemic. Representatives from various religious groups as well as government officials participated in the event, organized by the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Religious Affairs.

The country has so far recorded more than 1.2 million cases of coronavirus since the pandemic began last year. More than 20,000 people have died from the illness in the country.