Duterte greets Muslims on Eid’l Adha feast

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte and Palace officials yesterday joined the Muslim community in the observation of Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice.

“It is my sincere hope that our Muslim brothers and sisters will find renewed faith and spirituality, especially when called to emulate Ibrahim’s devotion to this belief. I stand in solidarity with you in pursuing our shared goal of building a society that transcends religious, political and cultural barriers,” Duterte said.

He said Eid’l Adha is a significant occasion and a testament to the unyielding faith of the Muslim community.

“Its narrative remains a fervent reminder to the people that, even amidst life’s difficulties and challenges, our sacrifices have profound value and meaning. May you have a solemn and meaningful observance. Eid Mubarak!” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo called for solidarity and shared humanity as the country marked the Muslim holiday.

“This day is a celebration of faith and its ability to endow us with the courage to meet any challenge,” Robredo said in a statement.

“As we have seen countless times during this pandemic, there are more things that bring us together than tear us apart – kindness, compassion and the genuine desire for a world where people of all faiths thrive and flourish under a banner of hope,” she said.

Robredo urged Filipinos to hold fast to these values as the country journey toward the vision of a better normal.

“Although the road may be long, I know that the Filipino has the resolve to reach this aspiration,” she said.

Eid’l Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim or Abraham to follow Allah (God)’s command to sacrifice his son. It is the second major religious festival of the Muslim community.

Muslims make up about 6.01 percent of the country’s 100-million population, according to the latest government data.

Senators greet Muslims

Sen. Leila de Lima greeted Muslims here and abroad in their celebration of the Islamic holiday.

De Lima expressed hope the celebration of the meaningful occasion would remind Filipinos, Muslims and non-Muslims alike of the importance of compassion, solidarity and unwavering faith during these challenging times.

Like De Lima, Sen. Risa Hontiveros expressed unity with the Muslim community in celerating the feast of the great sacrifice.

“I pray that this day will be a happy one with your family and loved ones. InshaAllah,” Hontiveros said.

Members of the House of Representatives vowed to pursue legislative measures that promote and protect the welfare of Filipino muslims, especially overseas workers.

Deputy Speakers Loren Legarda and Mujiv Hataman and House overseas workers affairs committee vice chair Jocelyn Tulfo said more laws are needed to protect and support our Muslim brethren.

“As a representative of the people in Congress, I will continue to be your voice and push for measures and programs that seek to provide employment, quality education, accessible health care as well as initiatives to preserve and protect your culture and traditions,” Legarda said.

Tulfo called for the passage of pending bills for Muslim OFWs in Muslim countries.

She also pushed for promotion of halal food and the use of the mother tongue in Muslim Mindanao “to promote harmony between Christians and Muslims here in the Philippines and around the world.”

Hataman reminded his fellow Muslims of the significance of the celebration.

“Eid’l Adha calls for our collective effort to better our nation, especially in the midst of difficulties brought by the pandemic. I pray that we remain safe and overcome these challenges with an even strengthened faith,” Hataman said.

Presidential Communications Operations Office chief Secretary Martin Andanar, presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. and chief presidential legal adviser Salvador Panelo also extended their greetings to the Muslim community.

“This occasion urges us not only to deepen our faith, but also reminds us of the values of selflessness and hope that would bind us together in building a society with mutual respect, harmony and understanding,” Roque said.

Roque said the occasion also underscores the need for everyone to “set aside our differences and join hands to overcome the great challenges of the COVID pandemic.

Andanar noted how one’s faith could help many of our Muslim brothers and sisters in coping with the pandemic. He cited the importance of getting vaccinated during this challenging times.

National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said that while it is unfortunate that the country is again celebrating Eid’l-Adha in the midst of a pandemic, Filipinos should be thankful for the blessings that they received as they reflect on the significance of this sacred occasion.

“We are now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, as we continue to scale up the implementation of our National Vaccination Program. Alhamdulillah,” Galvez said. – Helen Flores, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Edith Regalado, Edu Punay, Jose Rodel Clapano, Emmanuel Tupas