Stressing that the world and the Philippines are facing so much divisiveness in belief, politics, even generational and cultural differences, President Marcos has rallied society leaders to seek divine wisdom and to build bridges where there are divides.
In leading the 49th Philippine National Prayer Breakfast in Malacañan Palace on Monday, Nov, 18, Marcos encouraged leaders from various sectors of society to renew their commitment to service guided with faith.
"Today, I extend an invitation to recommit: Recommit to the responsibility of service imbued with faith, where decisions are made not in haste but with prayerful discernment," Marcos told his fellow leaders.
"Let us renew our pledge to seek divine wisdom, to build bridges where there are divides, and to lead with conviction our nation’s best days are ahead of us," he added.
The President urged present leaders to leave a legacy that values integrity over expediency, vision over short-term gains, and harmony over discord. He called on them to ensure that "in every decision, in every action, the spirit of love, mercy, and humility is present."
He also encouraged future leaders to let faith be their guiding light in leadership, to draw courage from it in times of doubt, and to temper their ambitions with a sense of purpose greater than themselves.
"To all the future leaders amongst us, let us remember this: faith is a beacon for the future. Let it guide you as you navigate the uncharted waters of leadership. You will draw courage from it when faced with doubt, it will temper your ambition with a sense of purpose greater than self," the President said.
Marcos noted that the national prayer breakfast came at a crucial time as Filipinos faced severe challenges starting with Severe Tropical Storm Kristine hitting the country on Oct. 21.
“Our collective faith and prayer to the Almighty is the most powerful tool that we have to weather these storms and the destruction that they bring. And so, it is with gratitude and a sense of purpose that I join this Philippine National Prayer Breakfast or PNPB,” he said.
The President said the event serves as a reminder that “leadership without faith is like a ship without a compass: it may sail, but it will drift,” underscoring that true leadership —the kind that transforms people’s lives for the better— is guided by wisdom and rooted in faith in God.
“For almost half a century, this gathering has stood as a testament to the power of faith—one that transcends boundaries, binds us in hope, and serves as both compass and anchor in leadership,” Marcos said.
“It is in this shared space of reflection that we rediscover the courage to act decisively, the humility to listen intently, and the resolve to build a nation that reflects the best of what we are,” he added.
The Chief Executive said the vision of the national prayer breakfast is a clarion call to leaders to look beyond the immediate and aspire for what is righteous and uplifting.
He further noted that it has become a cornerstone of national reflection – a moment when leaders set aside titles and agenda to come together as equals in prayer.