IN observance of the holy month of Ramadan starting Monday, May 6, President Rodrigo Duterte urged Muslim Filipinos to dream of "real and meaningful change" that will yield lasting progress for the betterment of the country.
"As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, may this period of fasting remind everyone of the values of sacrifice, patience, humility and obedience to the teachings of the Holy Quran," Duterte said, as he joined the Muslim Filipinos in observing Ramadan.
"This administration strives to unite all Filipinos, regardless of religion, cultural tradition and political belief. Together, let us create the change that we have been aspiring for—the social and moral transformation that is real and meaningful and the lasting progress that will uplift the lives of our kababayans (countrymen)," he added.
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims practice the ritual of dawn-to-dusk fasting and prayers.
The National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) and Bangsamoro Darul Ifta earlier announced that Ramadhan Mubarak starts on May 6.
Duterte expressed hope that Muslims would seek "peace, solidarity, and understanding."
"Let this also be a solemn opportunity to ask God's forgiveness for the sins we have committed and to be thankful for all the blessings we have received in the past year," he said.
"I trust that you will offer sincere prayers for peace, solidarity and understanding among our people and all of humanity," the President added. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)