Vice President Sara Duterte urged the Muslim faithful to “pray for peace and forgiveness” as Filipinos navigate adversities in their personal lives and in the country.

Vice President Sara Duterte (Photo from Inday Sara Duterte Facebook page)

In her message for the start of Ramadan, the official prayed for “mercy, peace, and blessings” for Muslims across the country and the world.

“I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to help us pray for peace and forgiveness as we navigate every adversity we face in our personal lives and as a nation,” Duterte said.

“May the spirit of Ramadan guide your prayers and reflections while we look forward with profound hope and optimism to an inclusive and dignified future for every Filipino,” she added.

She also asked Muslims to reflect on the “values of sacrifice and obedience as cornerstones to a path leading to enlightenment and grace.”

Saudi Arabia, which houses Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, announced that the official start of Ramadan will be on March 1 (KSA time) after a sighting of the crescent moon in the Kingdom.

This means that more than 1.8 billion Muslims across the world will begin fasting from sunrise to sunset every day.

Based on the Islamic lunar calendar, consisting of 12 months in a year of 354 or 355 days, Ramadan falls on the ninth month.

Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. It is mandatory for all healthy Muslims, though young children, sick individuals, travelers, pregnant, nursing, or menstruating women are exempted.

Deep reflection

House Speaker Martin Romualdez has extended his warmest greetings to the Muslim community as it observes the holy month of Ramadan.

In a statement Saturday, March 1, Romualdez underscored the significance of Ramadan as a time of deep reflection, prayer and self-discipline that strengthens faith and fosters solidarity within communities.

“Ramadan is a time of deep reflection, prayer, and self-discipline—a sacred period that strengthens faith and brings communities together. It reminds us of the values that unite us as a people: faith, perseverance, compassion, and unity,” he said.

The House chief recognized the unwavering devotion and dedication of Filipino Muslims during this sacred time.

Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district congressman, called on all Filipinos to uphold the core values of Ramadan—faith, unselfishness and empathy—virtues that can help build a more compassionate and just society.

The Speaker also emphasized the importance of generosity, not just in material terms but in patience, understanding and kindness toward others.

“Ramadan also teaches us the virtue of generosity—not only in material giving but also in kindness, patience, and understanding. This is a lesson we can all embrace, regardless of faith, to build a society founded on compassion, justice, and mutual respect,” he said.

At a time when divisions pose challenges to national unity, Romualdez underscored the need to choose peace and solidarity, drawing inspiration from the Muslim community’s commitment to these values during Ramadan.

“At a time when division threatens unity, let us choose to uplift one another, strengthen our communities, and promote peace—just as our Muslim brothers and sisters embody during this sacred month,” he stressed.

The Speaker also encouraged all Filipinos to use Ramadan as an opportunity to come together and reaffirm their shared values of peace, justice, and faith.

“With this, I wish our Muslim brothers and sisters a blessed and spiritually fulfilling Ramadan. May this holy month bring you inner peace, renewed faith, and the boundless mercy of Allah,” he said. (With a report from Ellson Quismorio)