MANILA, Philippines – The country’s first Mindanaoan president greeted Muslims on Eid’l Fitr on Wednesday, July 6, saying this year’s celebration takes on renewed relevance as he begins his term.

“This year’s celebration is indeed timely and relevant, as the Filipino nation starts a fresh move towards peace, stability, development and progress under a new leadership,”  said President Rodrigo Duterte in his first End of Ramadan message as the country’s leader.

Duterte, who has Muslim grandchildren and relatives, extolled how Ramadan, with its observance of fasting “teaches discipline” and instills “honesty, sincerity and commitment to his faith.” 

He also hoped that the virtue of discipline would help Muslim Filipino communities “unite” with other Filipinos “to achieve lasting peace, political stability, economic growth and development.” 

Duterte, known as “The Punisher” especially when he was Davao City mayor, has promised to bring peace and order to the country. He has also identified lack of discipline among Filipinos as the cause of many of the country’s problems.

Duterte has promised to bring peace by continuing negotiations with both Muslim separatist groups and communist rebels.

Read the full message below:

Asslamu alaikum (Peace be with you)!

I extend my warm greetings and felicitations to the members of the Muslim Ummah (communities), as they celebrate today Eid’l Fitr or the culmination of the month-long observance of fasting for the Holy Month of Ramadan. 

The observance of fasting during Ramadan is among the five pillars of Islam. As everybody knows, fasting during Ramadan teaches discipline. It instills in one’s mind and heart the virtues of honesty, sincerity and commitment to his faith. It promotes understanding, peace, sympathy, and love for fellow human beings.

This year’s celebration is indeed timely and relevant, as the Filipino nation starts a fresh move towards peace, stability, development and progress under a new leadership. Definitely, we view the new administration with high hope and sustained enthusiasm that, with the support and cooperation of every Filipino, it will propel our country to greater heights. 

May the sense of discipline the Holy Month of Ramadan has taught and nurtured among Muslims inspire all the members of the Muslim Filipino communities to unite with other Filipinos to achieve lasting peace, political stability, economic growth and development. Indeed, change is coming! 

Happy Eid’l Fitr Al-Mubarak, Mabuhay ang Filipino.

 – Rappler.com