MANILA: Vice President Sara Duterte (pic) on Friday (March 20) said she hopes the celebration of Eid’l Fitr can be a reminder and assurance to Filipinos that their sacrifices and contributions to their families and the country are valued.
In a statement to mark the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Duterte said she joins all Filipinos in the country and even those working in the Middle East to celebrate Eid’l Fitr.
“I join the entire Muslim Ummah — especially our brothers and sisters across the Philippines and those living and working in the Middle East, and all corners of the globe — in celebrating the blessed occasion of Eid’l Fitr,” Duterte said.
“To my fellow Filipinos, your resilience and hard work continue to be a source of pride for our nation. May the spirit of Eid bring you comfort and remind you that your contributions to your families and our country are deeply valued,” she added.
According to Duterte, the discipline shown by Filipino Muslims during Ramadan is a testament “to the strength of your faith and your commitment to the values of compassion and charity.”
Furthermore, the Vice President said that she also offers a prayer for peace across the world.
“As you mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan, we celebrate a journey defined by prayer, sacrifice, and deep spiritual reflection. The discipline and devotion you have shown throughout your fast are testaments to the strength of your faith and your commitment to the values of compassion and charity,” she said.
“As we celebrate this time of joy and thanksgiving, we also offer a fervent prayer for peace across the world. May the lessons of Ramadan inspire us to work together toward a global community that is inclusive, safe, and anchored in the pursuit of the common good. May your homes be filled with peace, and may your hearts be filled with the light of Allah’s blessings. Eid Mubarak!” she added.
Muslims in the Bangsamoro region and across the Philippines will celebrate Eid’l Fitr on Saturday (March 21) with Friday, March 20, observed as the final day of fasting.
In a statement, Bangsamoro Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani confirmed that authorised moon-sighting groups conducted observations across strategic areas in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and other parts of the country at sunset on Thursday, the 29th day of Ramadan.
Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will implement heightened security measures across the country as Muslim Filipinos prepare to celebrate Eid’l Fitr on March 21.
In a press release, the PNP said police units will be deployed in key areas to safeguard mosques, prayer venues, and Muslim communities.
“Our priority is the safety of all Filipino citizens. We will deploy police units in key areas, coordinate with local leaders, and ensure peace during Eid prayers,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.
Traditionally, large congregational prayers are held in mosques or open areas, making crowd and traffic management essential.
“We have traffic and crowd management plans in place, especially near major mosques. We will encourage everyone to follow traffic rules to avoid inconvenience. Quick response teams and medical units will be on standby. We will respond immediately to any incident to ensure public safety,” Nartatez said. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
