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Alexis Romero - The Philippine Star
March 29, 2026 | 6:00am
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on February 18, 2026.
PPA Pool Photos by Yummie Dingding
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos called on Filipinos to face their trials with faith and perseverance and to strive to become a nation united in purpose, in his message for the Holy Week, which is being observed as the world grapples with the wide-reaching impact of the Mideast conflict.
Marcos said the Passion of Christ is a reminder that “true greatness is not found in power, but in sacrifice; not in privilege, but in service and not in comfort, but in the courage to carry the burdens of others.”
He noted that the Holy Week is a reminder of the “immeasurable” love of Jesus Christ, who offered His life in “perfect obedience” to the will of God the Father.
“As we reflect on His sacrifice, may we renew our commitment to love one another more deeply, serve one another more faithfully and stand firm in faith even in the face of trials,” the President said.
“May Jesus Christ’s example inspire us to face our own challenges with humility, perseverance and hope. For in every act of compassion, every hand extended to those in need and every sacrifice made for the good of others, we keep alive the spirit of His message.”
Citing key episodes in Jesus’ life, namely His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, His suffering on the cross at Calvary and His resurrection, Marcos said the events showed “a love so powerful that it embraces human suffering and conquers even death.”
Marcos encouraged Filipinos to “take a moment for a brief pause, rest and reflection” during the season, the most important observance in Christianity.
Holy Week commemorates the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that Jesus suffered and died on the cross to redeem humanity from sin. More than 80 percent of Filipinos belong to the Christian faith, a majority are Roman Catholics.
‘Allow Jesus to enter our lives’
A priest yesterday said that today’s Palm Sunday and the blessing of palm leaves are being done to welcome Jesus amid the start of the Holy Week and allow the Lord to “enter our lives, especially during this time of crisis.”
In an interview with radio dzMM, Rev. Fr. Douglas Badong of St. Joseph Parish in Gagalangin, Tondo, Manila, asked Catholics to attend the mass instead of leaving after the blessings of the palm leaves.
“Only Christ can save us. Only Christ can help us, so to the Catholics, this is not just a way to bless the palm leaves to serve as our protection. It is important that when we bring the palm leaves, we accompany Christ to the Church and we will be able to attend mass. We will not just go to Church and then go home, because this is also the beginning of what we call Holy Week,” he said.
Badong added that Palm Sunday is significant, as the blessings of the palm leaves will be held in Hermosa, Manila, where a ghost flood control project is located. — Bella Cariaso
