President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the public to show “solidarity” with Muslims as the nation observed the celebration of Eid’l Adha or Feast of Sacrifice on Wednesday.
In a message, Marcos reminded Filipinos of the importance of “sacrifice and selflessness” that reflects the occasion.
“Let us all be reminded of the importance of sacrifice and selflessness that mirror the essence of this occasion so that we can join hands with our Muslim brothers and sisters from all over the world in the spirit of peace, unity, and mutual respect,” said Marcos.
Marcos lauded Muslim Filipinos for their contribution to “weaving the country’s rich tapestry of diversity”.
“Let their devotion to these beliefs shine above all throughout the festivities and further strengthen the bond among our families, friends, and communities,” he added.
Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God’s command.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez expressed solidarity with Muslims in the country and around the world on the occasion of Eid’l Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice.
“Today we join our Muslim brethren in marking Eid’l Adha. Through this feast, our Muslim friends remember and honor the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice one of his sons as an act of obedience to God’s command. God would later provide a lamb for sacrifice, saving Ibrahim’s son,” Romualdez said.
“For me, this occasion reflects Filipino Muslims’ quiet and enduring sacrifice toward a peaceful and prosperous life in our home country. I assure you that these efforts aren’t lost on us public servants in government and that the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. continues to pursue genuine inclusive progress that would uplift everybody’s lives,” the House leader said.
Romualdez said the occasion of Eid’l Adha is also about sharing—a “core trait of Filipinos”.
Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs has received reports that Filipino pilgrims in Mecca, Saudi Arabia are currently stranded in Muzdalifah, an open area associated with Hajj.
The DFA through the Philippine Embassy in Saudi on Wednesday said it is already acting on the situation and has also called on Saudi authorities, including the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and local ambulance services to respond to the incident.
Various Philippine agencies that have offices in Saudi have also joined hands in ensuring the safety and well-being of Filipino pilgrims there, the embassy said.
“Filipino pilgrims are advised to keep calm and follow the instructions of the Saudi Hajj authorities,” it said.
In other developments:
* Senator Robin Padilla said he was thankful for the pardon of three convicted overseas Filipino workers on death row in the United Arab Emirates. Padilla filed Senate Resolution 665 to express the Senate’s appreciation for the pardon by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and in recognition of the efforts of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
* Agri Party-List Rep. Wilbert T. Lee urged the speedy passage of House Bill 1299, or the Right to Adequate Food Act, citing the need for strict implementation of the food and security roadmap for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to aid in the continued decline of poverty incidence in the region. “As we celebrate Eid’l Adha, the feast of Sacrifice, I call on the government for the swift passage of measures that will guarantee help in ensuring food security for our Muslim brothers and sisters,” Lee said in a statement.