For Muslims and Moros in this country, Eid'l Adha is about the shared goal of continuing to contribute to nation-building, even as we continue to face the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

House deputy speaker and Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman on Tuesday, July 20, issued this statement as Muslims commemorate ‘’Eid’l Adha.

He said "it is a celebration of the shared and willing act of sacrifice by Ibrahim and Ishmael where father and son had decided to make a seemingly impossible sacrifice demanded of them by Allah."

‘’Regardless of whatever was to come, Allah’s will would have been fulfilled. This is the wisdom we glean on this occasion we commemorate,’’ Hataman said.

Hataman said Eid’l Adha is also about family. It is a homecoming during which we partake of communal festivities – from shared prayers to the preparation of meals and sadaqa, gift-giving.

"May we all not just survive this pandemic, but come out on the other side of it as a people who are stronger for our faith,’’ he also said.

Meanwhile, Senator Leila de Lima also extended her warm greetings to Muslims.

In a message, De Lima said she hopes that the celebration of the meaningful occasion would remind Filipinos, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, of the importance of compassion, solidarity and unwavering faith during these challenging times.

She appealed to Filipinos should work together to offer support to those who continue to suffer the lost of their loves ones due to decades-long violence and suffer the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Let us keep praying for our beloved country and countrymen,” she said.