Aquino joins nation in celebration of Eidul Adha

MANILA -- President Benigno Aquino III joined the nation Friday in celebration of Islamic festival Eidul Adha.

"Your government is one with the entire Muslim community in the observance and celebration of the Eidul Adha," President Aquino said in his official statement issued by Malacanang.

"I join our Muslim brothers and sisters in observing this important celebration. Let this be an affirmation of our solidarity in pursuing the causes of peace and development for the greater good," Aquino said.

"May your reflections lead you to an even deeper engagement in our efforts towards creating a united and equitably progressive Philippines," he added.

Aquino noted that Eidul Adha or the Festival of Sacrifice retells and commemorates the beautiful story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his beloved son to demonstrate his trust and devotion to Allah.
"His readiness to carry out God's command despite the specter of personal loss and his fortitude against temptation make him an exemplar of obedience for us all. May his example inspire us to be righteous and courageous in our undertakings, that we may follow God's will for the betterment of ourselves and our world," he said.

Aquino has no scheduled event for the Eidul Adha celebration since he is still in Australia. He is scheduled to arrive in Manila at 6:30 p.m. Friday.

The President earlier declared October 26, Friday, a regular holiday throughout the country in observance of Eidul Adha.

Aquino issued the declaration through Proclamation 488 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on October 9 to give the Filipino Muslim community full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

Eidul Adha is one of the two greatest feasts of Islam. The date of the festival is based on the declaration made by Saudi Arabia's highest religious body.

The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos recommended that the observance of Eidul Adha for this year, while the Eidul Adha prayer will be performed on the final declaration of the Saudi Government. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)