Duterte: May Eid bring PH more hope

MANILA, Philippines — As he joined Muslims in the observance of Eid al-Fitr, President Rodrigo Duterte called for generosity and compassion for others and said he hoped the occasion would inspire people to promote peace, unity, and goodwill among Filipinos.

In his message to mark the end of Ramadan, Duterte said the occasion has become more relevant as he expressed optimism about the country’s pandemic response.

“As you mark the end of a monthlong journey for reflection, prayer, and fasting, may Allah continue to instill in you the virtues of generosity and compassion for others. This joyous occasion celebrating personal sacrifice and unity is made more relevant as the country makes a significant step closer to beating the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

Eid al-Fitr offers new hope, he said.

“May this event also inspire us to continue promoting peace, unity, and goodwill among our fellow Filipinos. Let us welcome a new hope that this Eid brings—for peace, prosperity, healing, and strength as we build a progressive and brighter future for our people,” he said. Eid al-Fitr has been a national holiday since the passage in 2002 of Republic Act No. 9177, signed by then-President Gloria Arroyo.

The two succeeding presidents have both issued year after year proclamation to set the specific date.

Under the RA 9177, the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, shall be a national holiday for the observance of Eid al-Fitr, and the tenth day of Zhul Hijja, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, a regional holiday in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for the observance of Eid al-Adha, or the 10th day in the month of the pilgrimage to Mecca.

—LEILA B. SALAVERRIA