President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte joined the Muslim community in celebrating Eid’l Fitr marking the end of Ramadan.

In his message, President Marcos described the occasion as a time for dignified worship, deep reflection, and solemn prayer, emphasizing that Eid is not only a celebration but also a testament to the shared humanity that strengthens bonds of family, friendship, and unity.

“In spirit, the Festival of Breaking the Fast is more than a celebration, it is a testament to our desire for a shared humanity, strengthening the bonds of family and friendship, as well as unity among our peers,” Marcos said.

He encouraged the Filipino people to be inspired by the occasion to help those in need and to spread joy to those seeking it.

“Only through living with compassion and inclusivity can we appreciate and understand what the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) sought to accomplish — a life where harmony and love prevail upon us all,” he added.

As the Muslim community celebrates Eid’l Fitr, Marcos reminded the public of their responsibilities to one another.

“May the acts of kindness, engaging conversations, and delightful activities that bring communities together define our actions moving forward,” he said. “Let us continue to embody the virtues of dedication and faith so we can foster a more equitable and peaceful Bagong Pilipinas.”

VP: Unity, sharing important

For her part, Vice President Duterte underscored the importance of unity and the sharing of blessings, particularly within the family and with those in need.

“We celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan — a time of faith, sacrifice, and meditation,” Duterte said. “This important day is not just a reminder of the goodness of Allah, but also of the important teachings of the holy Qur’an — unity and sharing of blessings in the family and most of all to those in need.”

Duterte wished that the occasion would bring peace, light and happiness in the hearts and homes of Filipino Muslims.

“May He accept your prayers, reward your sacrifices, and bless you with everlasting love and abundance. May the Lord Allah guide you to the path of goodness and unity,” she said.

Thousands at Rizal Park

In Manila, more than 10,000 Filipino Muslims gathered on Monday morning to say solemn prayers at the expansive Rizal Park, marking the end of the month-long Ramadan fast.

As early as 6 a.m., Muslim worshippers began arriving at Rizal Park, eager to secure a spot for the grand celebration, which is considered one of the largest Islamic events held in Manila this year. Families dressed in their religious attire came together for the special morning prayers, filling the park with a sense of unity and devotion.

According to the Manila Police District, the event proceeded peacefully, with no untoward incidents reported. The MPD deployed approximately 500 officers from Police Station 5 to ensure the safety and security of the large gathering.

In Quiapo, around 4,000 Muslims participated in the Eid’l Fitr prayer at the Golden Mosque, another key location for the celebrations.

In addition to Rizal Park and the Golden Mosque, there were 13 other sites across the city where Muslims gathered for the prayer, all of which were reported to have been peaceful and well-organized.

Manila Media Bureau Chief, lawyer Princess Abante, reported that the clean-up post-event was minimal, with only 1.5-cubic meters of garbage collected, equivalent to half a truckload.

Malacañang declared Tuesday, 1 April, a regular holiday to allow the public to join in the celebrations.