By Brian Jules Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday urged Filipinos to radiate goodness to others amid challenges, as they joined the Muslim faithful in the observance of Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice.
In his message for the solemn occasion, President Marcos described the observance as a moment to reflect on the life and story of Ibrahim, whose faith and love for Allah are central to Islamic teaching.
“Reminiscent of how he decided to sacrifice his treasured son in obedience to God’s will, may we grow in wisdom and fortitude as we discern challenges, knowing that there is gain in surrender and the act of letting go, even of persons and things we value the most,” he said.
“As we understand the significance of this commemoration, we feel deep within ourselves that, in nurturing our relationship with others and the Almighty, we are strengthened by our past and fueled with lessons to face tomorrow with grit and resilience,” Marcos added.
Eid al-Adha — the second of two great Muslim festivals, the first being Eid al-Fitr — commemorates the “historic event when Ibrahim was commanded by God in a dream vision to sacrifice his son, Ishmail”.
The Chief Executive also encouraged Filipinos to be courageous even at the expense of their own comfort and security, adding that a greater sense of purpose awaits those who uplift the lives of others.
He, likewise, yearned for a Bagong Pilipinas that not only knows how to work for the Filipinos’ future, “but also recognizes that they are frail and helpless without the guidance of the One from whom all wisdom and knowledge flows”.
“Let us continue to radiate goodness to those around us, confident that—with the right intention and conduct — the true, the good, and the beautiful will prosper now and in the years to come,” Marcos added.
Vice President Duterte, for her part, highlighted the essence of sacrifice, gratitude, and humility as virtues the Muslim faithful must embody in spreading the spirit of Eid al-Adha.
“Mahalaga na mapalaganap natin ang diwa ng Eid al-Adha ngayong marami sa ating mga kababayan ang nangangailangan ng ating kabutihang loob, kawang-gawa, at malasakit,” she said.
“Ang aming pakikiisa sa pagdiriwang na ito ay tanda ng ating ugnayan bilang isang bansa na mas pinatibay ng ating paggalang, pagtanggap, at pagmamahal sa isa’t isa sa kabila ng magkaibang salita, relihiyon o paniniwala,” Duterte added.
The occasion also offers an opportunity for Filipinos to pray that the country remains peaceful, safe, and resilient amid calamities and challenges that come its way, the Vice President concluded. – avds
