SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman on Saturday greeted the Muslim community on the celebration of Eid’l Fitr, the last day of the holy month of Ramadan.

Romualdez and Hataman also called for unity and peace among all sectors of society.

“We extend our warmest greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters as we join them in celebrating Eid’l Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic faith,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“May you and your families be blessed with good health, happiness, and prosperity. May peace reign over your hearts and your households.

And may the blessings of life be upon you and your loved ones,” Romualdez added.

Speaker Romualdez said the recognition and respect for the diversity in the Filipinos’ religious beliefs are deeply enshrined in the Constitution.

“And so, no matter our faith or religion, we continue to march towards progress as a nation, as Filipinos united under one flag,” he said.

“We view this diversity not as an obstacle to development, but rather as a potent moving force for all of us to contribute to nation-building in our own way, according to our respective religious beliefs,” the Speaker added.

“Once again, we greet all our Muslim brothers and sisters with a Happy Eid’l Fitr. Eid Mubarak!” Romualdez said.

Meanwhile, Frasco said, “On behalf of the Department of Tourism (DOT), I join the entire Filipino nation in celebrating with our Muslim brothers and sisters the culmination of the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Eid’l Fitr.”

“As you partake in this joyous occasion of breaking of the fast, it is our fervent prayer that Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate, will nourish and rejuvenate both your body and spirit with righteousness and renewed faith,” Frasco said.

“On this holy festival, may we take this great opportunity to reflect on the wisdom and teachings of Islam as we strive for a nation that celebrates cultural diversity and religious tolerance,” she added.

“Let this day bring new hope and opportunities for us all to herald to the world the rich and colorful culture and heritage of the Philippines, where different religious backgrounds and cultural affinities happily and peacefully co-exist,” the DOT chief said.

“With every good wish and peace to all our Muslim brethren! Eid Mubarak!” Frasco concluded.

For his part, Hataman said, “I join our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating Eid’l Fitr, the day that marks the end of our month-long fast during the holiest month of Ramadan, one of the five pillars of our Islamic faith.”

“Eid’l Fitr is the culmination of a month of self-restraint and sacrifice, it is a day for celebration. During this time, we allow ourselves to have more patience and humility, to epitomize the virtue of charity and generosity toward others,” Hataman, a former House Deputy Speaker, said.

“Sa panahon ding ito hangad natin ang pagpapalaganap ng kapayapaan at katarungan sa ating mga tahanan at komunidad, sa gitna ng napakaraming insidente ng karahasan na ating nasaksihan nitong mga nakaraang araw,” added Hataman, also a former governor of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“As we celebrate Eid’l Fitr today (Saturday) it is my desire that the attributes we aim to emulate – love, patience, humility, kindness, generosity and peace – will stay with us even after today. We should continue letting go of all the anger and hate, and embrace peace and justice as a way of life for all of us,” he said.

“May we all remember what we learned and gained this Ramadan: all the virtues of being better Muslims, better individuals, and better Filipino citizens. Eid Mubarak!” Hataman added.