IN observance of Eid'l Fitr or the Feast of Ramadan, President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, June 15, expressed hope that all Filipinos would seek "greater unity" despite religious and cultural diversity.

The President was optimistic that the Filipino people would strive for "love and understanding" to attain "genuine" change in the country.

"May this revered festival inspire us all to foster greater unity amidst our differences in faith and culture. Together, let us engage in acts of charity as we steer our nation towards a more progressive and tolerant future," Duterte said in his message.

"May love and understanding prevail over our land as we work hard for the genuine transformation of the Philippines for every Filipino," he added.

Eid'l Fitr is the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan when Muslims worldwide observe abstinence, including month-long fasting.

Duterte joined the Muslim Filipinos in reaffirming their commitment to "self-purification and jubilation."

He believed that this year's celebration of Eid'l Fitr has given the country some "strength" to surpass the challenges of "misguided ideologies, terrorism and violent extremism."

The President's message comes amid the national government's effort to rehabilitate war-ravaged Marawi City, the largest Muslim city in the predomaninatly Catholic nation that was invaded by Islamic State-linked Maute group on May 23, 2017 but was declared liberated from terrorist influence in October the same year.

Despite the recent terror attack in Marawi City, Duterte was confident that "long-lasting" peace will be achieved all throughout the country, especially in Mindanao, which was under martial rule until December 30, 2018.

"This is in an opportune time to reflect on the progress we have made to achieve long-lasting peace across the country, especially in Mindanao," he said.

"I trust that the sacrifice of Muslim Filipinos during their month-long fasting has rekindled their faith and reawakened their sense of benevolence and empathy towards their fellowmen," he added. (SunStar Philippines)