President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in one of his speaking engagements. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed hopes that the nation’s observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, known in the Philippines as Undas, will “bring healing to our hearts.”
“As a Christian nation, these two important holidays, which celebrate the lives of the Christian faith and those memories left by our dearly departed, both remind us to strive, live Christ-centered lives, and fulfill our life’s purpose until we meet our Creator,” he said in a statement.
Marcos noted that the COVID-19 pandemic “made us contemplate what it truly means to live a meaningful life and to die free of regrets and at peace with oneself.”
“As we gain momentum towards complete recovery, I pray that our efforts to remember the saints and our late loved ones will bring healing to our hearts. May it likewise reinforce the foundations of our faith and compel us to live with genuine love and compassion in all of our days. I wish everyone a meaningful celebration,” he added.
Undas 2022 is seen to be observed with most of the country still reeling from the wrath of tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae), which ravaged the Philippines and affected more than 1.95 million individuals.