President Rodrigo Duterte has called on Filipinos to unite and help those who are in need and hope that the holy month of Ramadan would bring peace and prosperity amid the COVID 19 pandemic.
“It is my hope that we can all move forward with courage, hope, and optimism as the blessings of Ramadan bring peace and prosperity to the entire nation,” he said in his message for the sacred month of Islam.
Duterte said he joins Muslim Filipinos in the month-long Ramadan, which is a reminder of the “value of sacrifice, obedience and charity.”
For the entire month, Muslims will fast and offer prayers every day from dawn to sunset.
READ: Muslims start Ramadan under shadow of coronavirus pandemic
“The entire nation joins our Muslim sisters and brothers as we commemorate the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Mohammad,” Duterte said.
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, may peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you all in the holy month of Ramadan.”
“As we mark this holy occasion, I ask everyone to promote solidarity among all Filipinos by manifesting faith through action and by fostering peace, hope and unity as we face the most challenging of times,” he added.
Duterte said Filipinos should “channel the spirit of Ramadan” by helping those who are less fortunate and “most in need.”
Vice President Leni Robredo also gave her greetings, saying she joined the entire Muslim community "in solemn reflection as another lunar year marks the start of the holy month of Ramadan."
"As we humbly receive the grace, wisdom, and guidance that comes through faith, may we be brought together and be reminded of our common humanity— our common struggles, and the common hope that binds us— and in this find the strength not only to endure, but to imagine a better normal for all, and build it," she said.
"May Allah’s peace be upon everyone. Ramadan Mubarak!" Robredo added.
