On Eid’l Fitr, President Marcos urges Filipinos to uphold Ramadan virtues of compassion, humility

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to carry forward the virtues of compassion, humility, patience, and charity exemplified during the holy month of Ramadan as the nation marks Eid’l Fitr on Saturday.

In his message, Marcos joined Muslim Filipinos in observing what he described as a “solemn and joyous” occasion, highlighting Ramadan as a time devoted to prayer, fasting, reflection, and generosity.

“It reminds us that the deepest joys are often those earned through sacrifice, and that discipline in faith strengthens not only the individual, but the entire community,” the President said.

The Chief Executive emphasized that the discipline and sacrifices practiced during the sacred period should extend beyond the end of fasting and continue shaping both individuals and communities.

“The virtues nurtured during this sacred month— compassion, humility, patience, and charity—must not end with the breaking of the fast. They must travel beyond the self. They must strengthen families, restore hope in communities, and remind us that a nation is built not only through laws and institutions, but through people who choose kindness, responsibility, and solidarity with one another,” Marcos said.

He also commended Muslim Filipinos for their example, citing their quiet generosity, resilience amid hardship, and strong sense of duty.

“We see it in the quiet fidelity to duty even when no one is watching. These are the virtues that preserve peace in our neighborhoods, sustain trust in our communities, and keep hope alive in difficult times. That is why, in honoring this day, we also uphold a tradition of moral steadiness that helps keep our nation humane, united, and worthy of the aspirations of its people,” the President said.

He expressed hope that Eid’l Fitr would bring comfort to those facing challenges, renewed strength to those in service, and joy to Filipino families.

“May it deepen understanding across faiths and cultures and continue to unite us in our shared aspiration to build a Bagong Pilipinas where dignity is upheld, opportunity reaches every Filipino, and peace flourishes through justice and mutual respect,” President Marcos ended.

Marcos earlier declared March 20, 2026 a regular holiday nationwide through Proclamation No. 1189 in observance of Eid’l Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

However, the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ announced Thursday evening that the crescent moon was not sighted, leading Muslims in the country to observe Eid’l Fitr on March 21 instead.

-Paraluman News

Filipino Muslim women and children attend Eid al-Fitr prayers in Quezon City, Philippines, March 21, 2026. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

Filipino Muslims attend Eid al-Fitr prayers in Quezon City, Philippines, March 21, 2026. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez