President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. called on Filipino Catholics to be inspired by the Blessed Virgin Mary's selfless love for mankind as the country celebrated Thursday the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

"Like Mary, may we also strive to resign from our individualistic tendencies and aspire to generously give ourselves without expecting anything in return," Mr. Marcos said.

"In the end, what we can bring into our everlasting home are those we cherish deep in our hearts, not the possessions we can only hold in our hands," he said, adding there's a need for people to revisit their "reason for being."

He said that uncertain the days ahead may be, people can try to understand the will of God and the purpose behind the journeys that require faith.

Mr. Marcos stressed that during both adversity and triumph, people must humbly implore divine providence to overcome limitations, weakness and flaws.

"As we allow our shared experiences to shape our history and lead us in achieving our nation's aspirations, let us place our confidence in the Almighty and put our trust in one another," he said. "In the intersection of these things, we will certainly learn where to hold on and gain greater courage."

Republic Act 10966 has declared every 8th December as a special non-working holiday in commemoration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the Principal Patroness of the Philippines.

The law was signed by then-President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017. The 8th of December has also been declared a special non-working holiday under Proclamation 1236.