By Genalyn Kabiling As Catholics observe the season of Lent, President Duterte has called for reflection and renewal of faith to move forward with love, peace and compassion for others. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers a speech during the Annual General Membership Meeting of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association Inc. at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on January 21, 2020. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO The President recognized that the Holy Week is an opportunity to pray and reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ when he offered his life for the salvation of mankind. "This Lenten Season, Catholics around the world are once again called to reflect upon the narrative of the ultimate sacrifice that paid the costly price for man's salvation. By remembering the death of Jesus Christ at the cross, we remind ourselves of the immense power of love and compassion which is able to tear down walls of prejudice, selfishness and hate," he said in his Holy Week message. "Indeed, the opportunity for solemn prayer and reflection gives us a magnified view of the victory that is found in enduring sacrifice. Let the spirit of Lent inspire us to move ahead with faith and peace in our hearts as we persevere in bringing lasting and transformative change in our society,” he said. Duterte said he hopes Catholics would have a "meaningful and purposeful" Holy Week. "Guided by our sense of hope and grace, may we walk with renewed fervor and faith towards our shared path of a brighter and better future for all," he said. Malacañang earlier said the President will stay in Manila for the Holy Week and continue to perform his duties as the country's leader. Duterte was supposed to return to his family in Davao City but canceled the trip so he can monitor government's efforts to combat the coronavirus pandemic and immediately address urgent concerns,  according to Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo. "He will continue to function and perform duties as President. He will continue to monitor and then give directives to all government agencies on matters that require his action," Panelo said. As this year’s Lenten Season is cast in a different light, Año said being compelled to observe the religious practice at home to prevent the spread of the virus should not prevent us from praying for God’s “special protection and guidance for our frontline workers who are risking their safety, health, and their very lives to tend to the sick, maintain law, and ensure that food reaches our communities.” He noted this is also a time to show gratitude to God and reflect on how everyone can be part of the solution and “what we can do, in our own little ways, to help the frontliners and the government alleviate the plight of those who are most affected by COVID-19.” “The DILG joins the entire Christian community in the commemoration of the life, sacrifices, and holiness of Jesus Christ in this Lenten season amid the COVID-19 public health emergency,” Año said. The DILG chief also asked the Christian faithful to seek God’s blessings “for our national and local government officials, especially our punong barangays, that they may address this crisis with urgency, wisdom, and compassion in the service of the people.” “And most importantly, let us pray for our countrymen who are afflicted with COVID-19. Ipanalangin po natin na kanilang malagpasan ang hamon na ito at ang kanilang lubusang paggaling (Let us pray that they overcome this challenge, let us pray for their full recovery),” he added. Amid this overwhelming ordeal, Año expressed confidence that the distinct faith, indomitable devotion of a nation that has weathered countless disasters with vigilance and with prayer as their weapon will help the Filipinos rise from this turmoil. “We are an Easter people. Let us continue to have faith that this too shall pass as we look forward to a new beginning with renewed dedication, love, and commitment for our country and our people,” Año concluded. (With Chito Chavez)