President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday appealed to Muslims to help create an "environment of stability" as they marked the Eidul Adha (Festival of Sacrifice).
In his Eidul Adha message, Aquino said the Muslims' dedication to strengthen their faith reinforces Islam's ideals of peace, solidarity and modesty.
"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.
On Eidul Adha, Muslims commemorate the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Isma'il) as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead.
In Quezon City, dzBB's Allan Gatus reported a group of Muslims held a prayer near the lobby of city hall to mark the occasion.
The report said some of the Muslims who went to Quezon City came all the way from Mindanao.
Aquino said Eidul Adha's tale of "unconditional trust" reminds Muslim Filipinos that sacrifice is a test of one’s principles amid the challenges and complexities of life.
"This occasion also imparts the lesson of courage, motivating a believer to be more accepting of the trials along the way to enlightenment," he said.
"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," he added.
Under Republic Act No. 9849, Eidul Adha is to be celebrated as a regular holiday in the Philippines.
