Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 9) — As Muslims celebrate Eid’l Adha, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to “break the chains of divisiveness” to achieve shared goals.
In a message on Saturday, Marcos – who won the presidency on a platform of national unity – expressed hope that people will set aside their differences and “emerge strong and united as one nation.”
He also urged Filipinos to offer themselves for the sake of others.
“The journey ahead of us will not be easy, but if we fight for what is right and predicate our every action on our love for our fellowmen and women, our people will surely benefit from the results of our individual choices,” he said.
Eid’l Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice, honors Ibrahim’s (known as Abraham for Christians) willingness to sacrifice his son to Allah as an act of obedience.
Muslims believe that before Ibrahim could carry out the act, Allah sent the angel Jibra’il (known as Gabriel for Christians) to intervene and place a ram in his son’s place.
“This day reminds us that, with deep faith and loyalty to our virtues, we can take risks for hefty costs, even if it means losing those whom we love and letting go of many things that matter to us,” the President’s message also read.
Marcos declared July 9 a regular holiday in observance of one of the most important Islamic events.
Eid’l Adha marks the end of the Hajj, which is the annual pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca done by Muslims who are financially and physically capable.
