VICE President Sara Duterte urged Filipino Muslim to continue praying for harmony, unity, and the success of every Filipino.
Duterte joined the Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating the Eid al-Fitr, Eid’l Fitr, the culmination of a month of self-restraint and sacrifice.

“As we celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the advent of Eid al-Fitr, let us take a moment to reflect on the wisdom we have acquired throughout the month of Ramadan,” Duterte said in a statement.

The Vice President wishes all Muslims to have solemn and happy celebration of the occasion with hearts filled with joy knowing that love, kindness, respect, faithfulness, and peace reign supreme in their lives.

“Let us continue to pray for harmony, unity, and success for each one as we strive to grow deeper in our faith and service to others,” she added.

She expressed hope for every Filipino to put into practice the learning and insights gained from introspection and pray for continued guidance as the connection with Allah strengthens.

“I pray that our thoughts are filled with peace and joy even as we sympathize with our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world who might need help and deliverance from trials and sufferings,” Duterte said.

“As we ponder on our challenges, let us thank Allah for the strength that allowed us to persist and overcome difficulties. May the experience of overcoming our personal challenges encourage us to be kind and compassionate to the plight of others,” she added.

She also appealed to be grateful for the blessings received and strive to be a blessing to other family, friends, and community.

“May our words and actions speak only of the good and may our character reflect the ideals that Allah wants us to live out each day. Lahat – para sa Diyos, sa bayan, at sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” she said.

PNP, OPAPRU join Muslim ‘ummah’ in Eid celebration

The Philippine National Police on Saturday joined the Muslim community in celebrating Eid’l Fitr, saying respect and understanding make the Filipino culture unique.

“Respect and understanding among different faiths are characteristic features of the uniqueness of Filipino culture,” the PNP statement said.

The PNP noted that for hundreds of years, the Philippines has lived with the diversity of faiths, ethnicity, and sub-cultures of its people settled in different islands, and yet, its people remain united in spirit as one strong Filipino nation under a democratic republic.

“Sa ating mga kapatid na Muslim sa hanay ng kapulisan (To our Muslim brothers in the PNP ranks), congratulations for successfully completing your month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan. You have made it despite your everyday duties as a police officer,” the statement said.

“May God Almighty continue to shower us with His Blessings! Peace be with you. Eid Mubarak.”

The men and women of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) likewise expressed unity with the Muslim “ummah” (community) across the globe as they celebrated Eid’l Fitr.

“As the Holy Month of Ramadan comes to a close, may we all reflect on the important lessons that this occasion has taught all of us and apply them in our peace-building and development work,” OPAPRU acting chief Secretary Isidro L. Purisima said in a separate statement.

He pointed out that Ramadan teaches the value of patience, sacrifice, and charity and the need to practice each day in all undertakings.

“May this year’s Ramadan inspire all Filipinos – regardless of tribe, religion, or belief – to work together to promote the culture of peace, mutual understanding, and solidarity throughout the country and beyond,” Purisima said.

“In chapter 2, verse 185 of the Holy Quran, the Almighty Allah says: ‘You must complete the quantity (of days) in order to thank God for leading you and be thankful.’ A happy and blessed Eid Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters!” Jester Manalastas, Philippine News Agency