Eid al-Fitr time to promote social healing: Defense chief

MANILA – This year’s celebration of Eid al-Fitr is a time to promote social healing and reconciliation as the country prepares to usher in its next batch of leaders, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday.

“The observance of this year’s Eid al-Fitr this year is made more significant as the whole nation prepares for the ushering in of a new leadership. This is an appropriate time to promote the spirit of love, reconciliation and social healing among Filipinos of all faiths,” Lorenzana said in a statement.

This year’s celebration of Eid al-Fitr comes a week before Filipinos elect local and national leaders on May 9.

He said the defense department also expressed hope that reflection during the holy month of Ramadan would bring “continuous journey to peace and prosperity” to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and all Islam communities worldwide.

“Your One Defense Team commits to support any and all security endeavors that will promote a more harmonious life and better protection for Filipinos. Peace be to all, and Eid Mubarak!” he added.

Eid al-Fitr, one of the two most important Islamic celebrations, is observed by the Muslim community three days after the month-long Ramadan fasting.

The holiday is determined by the use of the lunar-based Islamic calendar through the sighting of the crescent moon in the Islamic month of Shawwal.

It was established as a regular holiday by virtue of Republic Act 9177 to honor the country’s Islamic heritage.