As the Muslim community celebrated Eid al-Adha on Wednesday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for unity of all faiths to make the Philippines a “more prosperous and harmonious” nation.

In his message, Marcos urged everyone to reflect on the values of sacrifice and selflessness and embody the spirit of peace and mutual respect.

“Truly, our nation is a land of plentiful creeds that is further nurtured by Muslim Filipinos who help weave our 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 said.

“For it is only when we openly and willingly embrace each other’s differences that we will be able to build a more prosperous and harmonious society for all.”

The President called on all Filipinos to show solidarity with Muslims in celebrating Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice to mark the culmination of the Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam.

He said the Muslim Filipinos’ warmth and kindness would be a “bedrock of our collective success as we usher in a better and brighter tomorrow for all.”

“Let us also join them in solidarity as they honor Ibrahim who – when commanded by Allah to sacrifice his own son – demonstrated utmost willingness and obedience, only to be halted at the last moment when abiding faith was proven,” he said.

“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.”

Eid al-Adha is one of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam.

The occasion honors the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God’s command.

In a separate statement, Budget Secretary Amenah Pngandaman expressed hope that the occasion would inspire everyone to keep faith “in a God who is all-knowing and understands our innermost feelings.”

“On this special holiday, I join my fellow Muslims in honoring the sacrifice, resolve, and commitment to God demonstrated by Prophet Abraham. It is also a celebration of how faith can defeat our doubts and fears, and how mercy is given to one who is faithful,” Pangandaman said.

“Let us recommit ourselves to achieving lasting peace, unity, and prosperity for everyone – no matter what belief – not just today, but every day. Remember: the key to lasting peace is respect, unity, and love for one another.”

National development goal

Former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez agreed with President Marcos that the enduring ideological and cultural differences among the Filipino people should not hinder the country’s progress as a united nation.

He encouraged every Filipino to stand together and work towards a common goal of national development.

“Eid al-Adha holds great importance in the Muslim calendar. I would like to express my profound respect as I join our Muslim brothers and sisters in the Philippines and worldwide in celebrating this occasion,” Alvarez said in a separate statement.

Alvarez acknowledged the story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to God’s command.

He highlighted the parallel between this act and the enduring resilience of Muslim Filipinos, who have faced decades of oppression and discrimination but have remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice.

“We know how they have struggled for reform to attain genuine autonomy and self-governance in our beloved Mindanao, look they have now BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao),” he added.

Alvarez also acknowledged the Muslim heroes who valiantly fought for the country’s freedom during the Spanish colonial period.

The veteran lawmaker sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of courageous individuals such as Sultan Kudarat of Maguindanao and Rajah Sulayman in Manila, whose bravery in confronting the Spanish colonizers played a significant role in our nation’s liberation.

“Iwasan na natin yun sigalot at away-away (Let’s avoid conflicts and disputes). It is high time that we support each other and cover each other’s backs to further our common goal which is to develop as a country,” Alvarez said.

In observance of Eid al-Adha, Malacañang has declared June 28 as a regular holiday nationwide. (with reports from Zaldy De Layola/PNA)