President Duterte calls for unity to achieve peace and dev’t during Eid’l Fitr

(PCOO photo)

MANILA—President Rodrigo Duterte urged the Muslim Filipino communities to unite with other Filipinos to achieve lasting peace, political stability and economic growth as they celebrated Eid’l Fitr Wednesday.

In his message to mark the occasion, President Duterte said this year’s celebration is timely and relevant with the country having new administration.

“…The Filipino nation starts a fresh move towards peace, stability, development and progress under a new leadership. Definitely, we view the new administration with high hope and sustained enthusiasm that, with the support and cooperation of every Filipino, it will propel our country to greater heights,” he said.

The President hoped that the sense of discipline the Holy Month of Ramadan has taught and nurtured among Muslims could encourage the Muslim Filipino communities to unite with other Filipinos.

Muslims celebrated Eid’l Fitr, the end of the holy month of Ramadan, on Wednesday.

“I extend my warm greetings and felicitations to the members of the Muslim Ummah (communities), as they celebrate today Eid’l Fitr or the culmination of the month-long observance and fasting of the Holy Month of Ramadhan,” he said.

The Chief Executive said the observance of fasting during Ramadan is among the five pillars of Islam.

“As everybody knows, fasting during Ramadan teaches discipline. It instills in one’s mind and heart the virtues of honesty, sincerity and commitment to his faith. It promotes understanding, peace, sympathy and love for fellow human beings,” he added.