Duterte in Eid message urges support for govt programmes and projects

As Muslims marked Eid al-Adha yesterday, President Rodrigo Duterte called on Filipinos to support programmes and projects for the common good and to respect authority.In a statement, President Rodrigo Duterte said the religious festival calls on the people “to lend a piece of (themselves) to endeavours that redound to the common good and benefit the most number of people.”“This account not only teaches us the importance of personal sacrifice, but also inculcates in us the value of submission to a higher authority, even though, at times, our feelings and emotions compel us otherwise,” he added.Duterte called on the public to reflect on lessons that can be learned from the occasion to deepen their faith and strengthen their resolve “to bring about a society that is worthy of Allah’s continued blessings and protection.”Meanwhile, Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo raised the need to reach out to those in need, particularly those in war-torn Marawi City and the refugees who were separated from their families.“Let us hug them and pray as they continue to fight through life’s hurdles,” Robredo said. “May this occasion push us to live a life beyond ourselves, and welcome with our hands, heart and mind those who are truly in need. This is also an opportunity for us to strengthen our unity as one nation: as a country that does not leave others behind, no matter what religion, skin colour or place they come from,” she added.The president declared yesterday a regular holiday in observance of Eid al-Adha. To mark the occasion, Islamic Relief, a faith-inspired international development and humanitarian organisation, provided Qurbani meat packs to over 1,300 vulnerable families in Marawi City and in the municipalities of Paglat and General Salipada K Pendatun in Maguindanao.“Food security is a serious concern in Marawi City and select communities in Maguindanao. Continued assistance to address the humanitarian needs for families particularly those who are in evacuation centres and home-based communities is crucial,” said Ateeq Rehman, head of Islamic Relief Philippines.Since 2017, Islamic Relief Philippines has been supporting vulnerable families in Central Mindanao in close collaboration with the government.The group had implemented various projects on sustainable livelihood, disaster risk reduction, health, education and peace-building.