President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged Filipinos to honor the bravery of the saints and the departed as he joined the nation in commemorating All Saints' Day.
In a brief video message uploaded on Facebook, Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to "(reflect) on everyone's purpose" to enjoy a meaningful Undas break.
"As we celebrate the saints' staunch devotion and the legacies of those who have gone before us, let us reflect on our purpose and our unceasing need for God's guidance," Marcos said.
"At the same time, let us remember the courage that our saints and dearly departed had shown amid their plight so that we may be empowered to be bold in living with and for Christ no matter the difficulties that we face in this world," he added.
He said the "examples of faith" shown by the departed and "recognizing the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ" should serve as reminders to live a moral life.
Marcos said that how Filipinos have celebrated All Saints' and All Souls' days over the years has led to traditions found only in the Philippines.
"Our people's earnest obedience to this holy obligation throughout the centuries has given birth to the traditions that we carry to this very day, traditions that display the essence of the Filipino culture (to) give utmost importance to our faith and family," he said.
Marcos then told Filipinos to be inspired by the faith of their ancestors to experience the joy of living a good life here on earth and to believe in the promise of a future life through Jesus Christ.
Family visits late president's tomb
Meanwhile, the Marcos family gathered at the tomb of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Wednesday.
Images and videos sent to the Malacañang Press Corps pool showed Marcos Jr. arriving at LNMB a few minutes past 10 a.m. with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
Marcos's sons Joseph Simon and William Vincent, Senator Imee Marcos, and other family members were in attendance. Former first lady Imelda Marcos arrived early and was in a wheelchair.
The family attended Mass earlier in the day.
The Marcos patriarch was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in 2016, 27 years after his passing.
Tiziana Celine Piatos@tribunephl_tiz