President Marcos marked the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception with a call for moral clarity in public life, urging Filipinos—and especially those in government—to begin every national undertaking “with truth, humility, and compassion” to rebuild public trust.

In a message released by Malacañang on Monday, Dec. 8, the President said the feast reminds the country that “the way we begin matters,” adding that intentions shape outcomes, particularly at a time when the administration is pushing institutional reforms and confronting corruption across agencies.

“Our intentions shape our outcomes, and the spirit in which we start a mission influences the fruit it bears,” he said.

“If we sow pride, we reap division; if we sow deceit, we reap distrust,” he added, stressing that only sincerity of purpose can sustain the transformation he envisions under Bagong Pilipinas.

The President said Mary’s example of purity and devotion offers a guide for a nation “seeking to belong wholeheartedly to God” and striving to place dignity and service at the center of governance.

“Let us begin with truth, humility, and compassion for the least among us so we can build a just and peaceful Bagong Pilipinas,” he said.

Marcos urged national leaders to draw strength from faith, saying the country needs public servants “anchored in grace and purpose” to navigate difficult reforms.

He expressed hope that through Mary’s intercession, leaders would be guided by “wisdom and discernment,” institutions would be “purified at the root,” and the Filipino people would be “united in hope.”

The President said that while structural reforms are underway, moral grounding remains essential to restoring trust in institutions.

Meanwhile, President Marcos called on Filipinos to reflect on the “common good that must guide every action,” saying that unity cannot be achieved without confronting division and distrust.

He said compassion for the vulnerable must remain central to the country’s path forward, describing it as a measure of national strength.

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a holy day of obligation for Catholics and one of the country’s most significant Marian feasts, marking the belief that Mary was conceived without original sin.

Vice President Sara Duterte also released a message, urging Filipinos to find strength in Mary’s humility and courage as the nation confronts political unrest, social conflict, and recurring disasters.

“Today, as we commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, let us reflect on the spirit of resilience inspired by the Virgin Mary’s life,” Duterte said.

“Sa gitna ng mga sakuna, gulo sa pulitika, at sigalot sa lipunan, nawa'y ang selebrasyong ito ay mag-udyok sa atin na magtanim ng pag-asa, magbigay ng suporta sa isa't isa, at magtrabaho tungo sa pag-unlad (Amid disasters, political discord, and social strife, may this celebration inspire us to plant hope, support one another, and work toward progress),” she added.

The Vice President encouraged the public to “remain steadfast,” align actions toward the common good, and build “a stronger, more compassionate Philippines.”