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Alexis Romero - The Philippine Star
March 22, 2026 | 12:00am
Muslims pray at the Salam Grand Green Mosque in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City during Eid’l Fitr yesterday.
Miguel De Guzman
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos called on Filipinos yesterday to display solidarity and compassion and emphasized the importance of faithfulness to one’s duty as Muslims observed Eid’l Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement, Marcos said the religious observance is a reminder that the deepest joys are often those earned through sacrifice and that discipline in faith strengthens not only the individual, but the entire community.
“The virtues nurtured during this sacred month – compassion, humility, patience and charity – must not end with the breaking of the fast. They must travel beyond the self. They must strengthen families, restore hope in communities and remind us that a nation is built not only through laws and institutions, but through people who choose kindness, responsibility and solidarity with one another,” Marcos said.
He lauded Muslims for their quiet acts of generosity, resilience in times of hardship and steadfast sense of duty.
“We see it in the quiet fidelity to duty even when no one is watching. These are the virtues that preserve peace in our neighborhoods, sustain trust in our communities and keep hope alive in difficult times,” he said.
“In honoring this day, we also uphold a tradition of moral steadiness that helps keep our nation humane, united and worthy of the aspirations of its people,” he added.
Marcos expressed hope that Eid’l Fitr would bring comfort to those grappling with difficulties, renewed strength to those rendering service and joy to every Filipino home.
“May it deepen understanding across faiths and cultures and continue to unite us in our shared aspiration to build a Bagong Pilipinas where dignity is upheld, opportunity reaches every Filipino and peace flourishes through justice and mutual respect,” he added.
In a video statement, the Chief Executive said Eid’l Fitr “marks the joyful culmination” of a spiritual journey, with families and communities gathering in thoughts and thanksgiving for the “blessings of gratitude, fellowship and peace.”
Eid’l Fitr was declared a national holiday through Republic Act 9177 enacted in 2002. Its date varies because it is based on the lunar calendar or upon Islamic astronomical calculations.
Marcos recently issued Proclamation No. 1189 declaring March 20 a regular holiday nationwide to observe Eid’l Fitr. However, the religious event was observed yesterday because the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ announced last Thursday that the crescent moon was not sighted.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Faustino Dy III hopes that “this celebration inspire us to build a more inclusive, resilient and united Philippines where every Filipino has hope and opportunity.” — Jose Rodel Clapano
