MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to embody the values of compassion, humility, patience, and charity demonstrated during the holy month of Ramadan as the country celebrates Eid’l Fitr on Saturday. In his message, Marcos joined Muslim Filipinos in celebrating what he described as a “solemn and joyous” occasion, recognizing Ramadan as a period of prayer, fasting, reflection, and generosity. “It reminds us that the deepest joys are often those earned through sacrifice, and that discipline in faith strengthens not only the individual, but the entire community,” he said. The President said that the discipline and sacrifice observed during the sacred month should not end with the breaking of the fast, but instead continue to guide individuals and communities. “The virtues nurtured during this sacred month— compassion, humility, patience, and charity—must not end with the breaking of the fast. They must travel beyond the self," Marcos said. "They must strengthen families, restore hope in communities, and remind us that a nation is built not only through laws and institutions, but through people who choose kindness, responsibility, and solidarity with one another,” he added. The President also paid tribute to Muslim Filipinos, recognizing their resilience, quiet generosity, and unwavering sense of duty even in difficult times. He also acknowledged the example set by Muslim Filipinos, citing their quiet generosity, resilience amid hardship and steadfast sense of duty. “We see it in the quiet fidelity to duty even when no one is watching. These are the virtues that preserve peace in our neighborhoods, sustain trust in our communities, and keep hope alive in difficult times," Marcos said. "That is why, in honoring this day, we also uphold a tradition of moral steadiness that helps keep our nation humane, united, and worthy of the aspirations of its people,” he added. The President expressed hope that Eid’l Fitr would bring comfort to those facing difficulties, renewed strength to those in service, and joy to every Filipino home. “May it deepen understanding across faiths and cultures and continue to unite us in our shared aspiration to build a Bagong Pilipinas where dignity is upheld, opportunity reaches every Filipino, and peace flourishes through justice and mutual respect,” he said. The President declared March 20, 2026 a regular holiday nationwide through Proclamation 1189 to mark Eid’l Fitr. However, the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ announced Thursday evening that the crescent moon was not sighted, moving the celebration to March 21. Eid'l-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of the month-long fasting of Ramadan. It symbolizes gratitude, generosity, and renewed devotion, as Muslims around the world mark the end of a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and reflection.