PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday urged Filipinos to be mindful of their responsibility to others, including helping and uplifting those in need.
In his Eid’l Fitr or End of Ramadan message, the President expressed hope that the observance of the Muslim holiday would inspire everyone to extend their hands in service, uplift those in need, and help find joy in those who seek it.
Marcos also said that Eid’l Fitr is more than a celebration but “a testament to our desire for shared humanity. Strengthening bonds of family and friendship, as well as unity among our peers.
“As you pause for supplication, let us not forget our responsibility to one another. May the acts of kindness, engaging conversations, and delightful activities that bring communities together define our actions moving forward. Let us continue to embody the virtues of dedication and faith so we can foster a more equitable and peaceful Bagong Pilipinas,” he added.
In a separate message, Peace and Unity adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. expressed hope that the lessons of Ramadan would inspire everyone to be the “best living examples of the Islamic faith, and serve as beacons of hope, kindness, and forgiveness.”
Galvez also expressed hope that Muslims could inspire others to help everyone, especially those in need.
“Let us all work together to achieve our shared vision: a just and lasting peace for the Bangsamoro people and all Filipinos,” he added.
Malacanang has declared April 1 as a non-working holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr.
However, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, last Sunday, said the celebration of Eid’l Fitr is supposed to commence on March 31.
Vice President Sara Duterte stressed the importance of unity and sharing one’s blessings with family and the needy as the country celebrated the Muslim festival Eid’l Fitr.
“Nakikiisa po ako sa ating mga kapatid na Muslim sa pagdiriwang ng Eid al-Fitr. Ipinagbubunyi natin ang pagtatapos ng banal na buwan ng Ramadan—isang panahon ng pananampalataya, pagsasakripisyo, at pagninilay (I join our Muslim brothers and sisters in celebrating Eid al-Fitr. We are commemorating the end of the holy month of Ramadan—a time for prayers, sacrifices, and reflection),” she said in a video message.
“Ang mahalagang araw na ito ay hindi lamang paalala ng kabutihan ni Allah, kundi pati na rin ng mahahalagang turo ng banal na Qur’an—ang pagkakaisa at pagbabahagi ng biyaya sa pamilya at higit sa lahat sa mga nangangailanga (This important day is not only a reminder of Allah’s goodness but also the valuable teaching of the Holy Qur’an—unity and sharing blessings to the family and most of all, those in need),” she added.
The Vice President said she wished that the celebration would bring “peace to your hearts, light in your spirit, and endless joy to your homes.”
“Nawa’y tanggapin ang inyong mga panalangin, gantimpalaan ang inyong mga sakripisyo, at pagpalain ang inyong buhay ng pag-ibig at kasaganaan (May your prayers be heard, your sacrifices rewarded, and your lives be granted with love and prosperity),” she added.
Speaker Martin Romualdez said: “As we mark the joyous occasion of Eid’l Fitr, I extend my warmest greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters across the country. This is a time of thanksgiving, reflection and renewal of faith, as we celebrate the successful completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan.”
The Speaker vowed that he and his colleagues would continue to “support measures that would help Muslim Filipinos.”
“In the House of Representatives, we reaffirm our commitment to policies that promote equality, respect and opportunity for all. We will continue to support initiatives that uplift Muslim Filipinos and ensure that your rights and aspirations are safeguarded,” he said.
“Our Muslim communities play a vital role in shaping our nation’s future. Your commitment to peace, progress and nation-building is deeply valued. As we continue working towards an inclusive and harmonious society, let us recognize the contributions of our Muslim brothers and sisters in fostering economic growth, cultural richness and national unity,” Romualdez said.
The Speaker said Eid’l Fitr “is a reminder of unity, compassion and generosity – values that bind us together as a nation. It is through these principles that we foster understanding and strengthen the ties between all Filipinos, regardless of faith and background.”
ESCUDERO’S HOPE
Senate President Francis Escudero said he hopes that the feast of Eid al-Fitr will serve as an inspiration for Filipinos to unite amid the political events unfolding.
Escudero said he is one with the Muslim community in celebrating the event and praying that this will enlighten the people to unite for the good of the country.
“Kasabay ng pasasalamat, dalangin ko na ang araw na ito ay magbigay-daan para sa pagkaka-isa at kapayapaan ng ating bansa. Sa kabila ng pagkawatak-watak sanhi ng mga kaganapang pampulitika, nananatili ang ating pag-asa na ang Eid al-Fitr ay magsisilbing inspirasyon para sa pagkakasundo at pagkakaunawaan ng bawat Pilipino (Along with thanksgiving, I hope and pray that this day will pave the way for the people to unite and bring peace to our nation. Despite the differences brought about by the political events, may the feast of Eid al-Fitr remains serve as an inspiration for the people to unite and set aside their differences),” Escudero said.
He said the period of Ramadan is a reminder of everyone’s sacrifices, compassion, at love for one another that he hopes will continue in our daily lives.
“Bilang isang bayan, tayo ay magka-isa para sa isang mas maayos na kinabukasan. Muli, isang mapayapa at makabuluhang Eid al-Fitr sa inyong lahat. Eid Mubarak! (As a nation, let us unite for our future. Again, I wish you all a meaningful Eid al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak!)” he added.
Senate deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros hopes that Allah will grant the wishes of Muslims around the world at the end of Ramadan.
“Tanggapin sana ni Allah ang lahat ng inyong sakripisyo at pagkakawanggawa. Nawa’y maghatid din ito sa ating ng malusog na pangangatawan, pagkaka-isa, pagmamahalan, at kapayapaan (May Allah grant your prayers through the sacrifices and charity you have made. May he also grant us good health, unity, love, and peace),” she said.
“Eid Mubarak sa mga kapatid kong Muslim… InshaAllah,” she added.
PAY RULES
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded private sector employers of the proper pay rules in effect for today’s regular holiday in observance of Eid’l Fitr.
Based on Advisory No. 04-2025, DOLE issued reminders on how employees should be paid, with April 1 being declared a regular holiday.
If the employee does not work, the DOLE said the employer shall pay 100 percent of the employee’s wage for that day.
For work done during the regular holiday, the employer shall pay a total of 200 percent of the employee’s wage for that day for the first eight hours, and an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day for overtime work.
For work done during a regular holiday that also falls on the employee’s rest day, the employer shall pay the employee an additional 30 percent of the basic wage of 200 percent, and an additional 30 percent of the hourly rate on said day for overtime work. – With Wendell Vigilia, Raymond Africa and Gerard Naval
