President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday called on his fellow Filipinos to exemplify compassion, humility, patience, and charity in pursuit of national progress.

In his Eid al-Fitr message, Marcos expressed optimism that discipline and sacrifice observed during the sacred month of Ramadan would continue to guide individuals and communities.

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

Marcos joined Muslim Filipinos in celebrating the “solemn and joyous occasion,” acknowledging Ramadan as a period of prayer, fasting, reflection, and generosity.

He urged everyone to embody the values of compassion, humility, patience, and charity beyond the occasion to strengthen communities and unite Filipinos across faiths.

“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,” he said.

“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 the people.”

Marcos noted that the generosity of Muslim Filipinos restores dignity, resilience in times of hardship keeps hope alive, and a steadfast sense of duty promotes peace and trust in communities.

He expressed hope that Eid al-Fitr would bring comfort to those who carry heavy burdens, renewed strength to those who serve, and joy to every Filipino home.

He said it also reminds the nation of “a truth long lived by our Muslim brothers and sisters.”

“We see it in homes that make space of others, in acts of charity that restore dignity, and in communities that endure hardship with patience and grace. We see it in the quiet fidelity to duty even when no one is watching,” Marcos said.

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

Marcos declared March 20 a regular holiday nationwide through Proclamation 1189, in observance of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan. (PNA)