MANILA, Philippines - A national law enacted during the past administration, Republic Act 9849, declares the day of Eid Al Adha as a national holiday to give respect to Muslims in the predominantly Catholic countryThe Philippines joined Muslims in the country in marking Eid Al Adha, although the country celebrated it a day late with a holiday on Monday.
In a statement, President Benigno Aquino III (right photo) said the government joins all Muslim Filipinos in observance of one of the most revered festivals of the Islamic community.
"Your solemn dedication to strengthen your faith further reinforces Islam's ideals of peace, solidarity, and modesty. Your earnest conviction for your beliefs and steadfast fulfillment of your religious obligations in an increasingly changing world serve as an inspiration to your countrymen," Aquino said.
- At the same time, Aquino took the opportunity to bring up a call for solidarity with the Moros (Filipino native Muslims from the southern portion of the country).
- "I am hopeful that you will remain committed in helping us create an environment of stability through harmonious relations among all Filipinos. May this celebration bring forth serenity within yourselves and your respective communities, and further unite a nation that is now treading the straight path toward lasting amity and equitable progress," he said.
Similarly, Senator Loren Legarda urged Filipinos, Muslims and non-Muslims included, to set aside our religious differences.- Legarda was once married and had divorced from imprisoned Muslim-convert businessman Antonio Leviste.
- "This feast commemorates Prophet Abraham's willingness to obey Allah even to the extent of sacrificing his son. May this act of faith continue to guide our Muslim brothers and sisters in leading fruitful lives and strengthen their dedication in contributing to the development of their communities and our nation as a whole," she said.
- There are an estimated eight million Muslim Filipinos in the Philippines.
Just like most Muslims around the world, Filipino-Muslim communities in Mindanao, Metro Manila, Cebu, Palawan, and Baguio City, mark Eid Al Adha with the ceremonial slaughter of cattle and sharing of food on Sunday. The rest of the country's non-Muslims will have a non-working holiday on Monday.
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