VP Duterte urges Muslims to live by Quran as Ramadan starts
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
Vice President Sara Duterte urged Filipino Muslims to live by the words and teachings in the Quran as the start of the holy month of Ramadan also marks a way for them to realize the essence of their lives.

Filipino Muslims pray inside a mosque as they start observing the first day of Ramadan. (Noel Pabalate / MANILA BULLETIN)
In a message released on Tuesday, March 12, the official also asked the Muslim community to pray and seek peace as they undergo a spiritual journey.
“Sa ating isang buwan na pagdarasal at pag-aayuno, nawa’y ang mga salitang nakapaloob sa banal na Quran ang mamutawi sa ating mga labi, isabuhay sa pang-araw-araw at maging gabay sa pagharap sa kinabukasan (During this month of prayers, may we follow the teachings of the holy book of Quran and live by them every day and let them be a guide in facing the future),” she said.
“Sama-sama nating palaguin ang ating ispritwal na pananampalataya kasabay ng pagdarasal sa kapayapaan na ating minimithi (Together, let us grow our spirituality along with prayers for peace that we aspire),” the official added.
The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is one of the most sacred times for Muslims.
This year, it starts on March 12 after a failed sighting of the moon, a celestial marker for the start of the holy month, last Sunday.
During Ramadan, Muslims around the world must observe a strict daily fasting from dawn until sunset for 30 days. They also must abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs.
“Isa itong pagkakataon para mas mapalalim pa natin ang ating ugnayan sa Kaniya at sa ating kapwa. Isa rin itong pamamaraan upang tayo ay malinawan sa tunay na halaga ng ating buhay dito sa mundong ibabaw (This is a chance to deepen our relationship with Him and our neighbors. This is also another way for us to clearly see the true meaning of our lives here on Earth),” Duterte said.
“Sa pamamagitan nito ay mas makikilala natin ang ating sarili at mas mapapabuti natin ang ating pamumuhay (Through this, we will get to know ourselves better and we can better live our lives),” the Vice President added.