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 al-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. The president earlier declared March 20, 2026, a regular holiday nationwide through Proclamation 1189 to mark Eid al-Fitr. However, the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ announced Thursday evening that the crescent moon was not sighted, moving the celebration to March 21. Eid al-Fitr, or the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of the monthlong fasting of Ramadan. It symbolizes gratitude, generosity, and renewed devotion, as Muslims around the world mark the end of a monthlong period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Speaker Faustino Dy III has called on Filipinos to uphold the values of "sacrifice, compassion and unity" as the Muslim community celebrates Eid al-Fitr. “As our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate Eid al-Fitr, we honor a journey of faith marked by discipline, sacrifice and generosity — values that can guide us as we face the challenges ahead, and work to overcome these as one nation," Dy said in a statement on Saturday. He further stressed that the occasion highlights the importance of reflection, humility and solidarity, which remain essential in strengthening both communities and public institutions. Also on Saturday, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), led by Secretary Dante Ang II, extended its greetings to the Filipino Muslim community around the world in celebration of Eid al-Fitr. In a statement, the CFO expressed solidarity with Muslim Filipinos both in the Philippines and abroad, recognizing the significance of Eid al-Fitr as a time of thanksgiving, reflection, and communal unity after a month of fasting and prayer. “May this joyous occasion bring peace, unity, and abundant blessings to every home,” the agency said, adding that the celebration serves as a reminder of the values of compassion, generosity and spiritual renewal. The CFO also underscored the importance of strengthening bonds among Filipinos across cultures and faiths, especially within the global diaspora. It noted that the spirit of Eid resonates beyond religious observance, encouraging inclusivity and shared humanity among communities worldwide.