Aquino to Filipino-Muslims: Be stewards of unity and dev’t

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday, July 29, urged Filipino-Muslims to become “steadfast stewards” of unity and development as he joined them in celebrating Eid’l Fitr – the end of Ramadan.

In his message, Aquino urged the Muslim community to continue to be enlightened by the teachings of Islam, and to build further on the strength and hope that they have been blessed with, during the observance of the month of Ramadan.

The President assured them that his administration continues to pursue a “more harmonious, more just” country, and that the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) attests to this objective.

Aquino had earlier declared July 29 as a special non-working holiday throughout the country in observance of Eid’l Fitr, though it was celebrated this year on July 28.

Below is his full message:

 The entire Filipino nation greets the Muslim Community in the Philippines as you celebrate Eid’l Fitr.

Throughout our country’s narrative, Islam has taught many of our Muslim brothers and sisters the values and principles that can lead to solidarity, honor, and harmony. May this celebration of Eid’l Fitr be a time of thanks and praise to the Almighty for the strength and hope that He has blessed your community with, especially during the month of forgiveness, Ramadan. May this also be a reaffirmation of your faith as you prepare yourselves for the challenges that may arise in our rapidly shifting milieu; may you always be enlightened by the teachings of Islam that hold true to the collective conscience of the Filipino people.

We continue to build a more harmonious, more just country as we begin to ease the disquiet that has long shaken our lands.  The recent signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro proves that even through all the conflicts that we  have endured, we remain one nation bound by a common dream: A new era of peace that will redound to the upliftment of the lives of our kababayans.  Let us sustain the gains of positive reform and be steadfast stewards of unity and development in our society.

I wish you a happy and meaningful Eid’l Fitr.

– Rappler.com