Marcos to Filipinos this Holy Week: ‘Be resilient, optimistic like Christ’

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Palm Sunday expressed hope that as Filipinos observe this year’s Holy Week, they will remain resilient and optimistic despite the challenges  in life, just like Jesus Christ. 

Marcos also called on the nation to ponder on the Lord's example of compassion and self-giving, in commemoration of Jesus Christ's passion, death, and resurrection. 

“Like Christ, may we remain resilient and optimistic in life, despite all the challenges that come our way. May all the adversities that we face shape us into better persons, capable of understanding and charity towards our brethren,” the President said in a statement.

“We are comforted by the triumph of Easter, which uncovered the success of the Lord's ultimate sacrifice. May the realization that a loving God embraced humanity to be with us inspire perseverance through tribulations and be an encouragement to our brothers and sisters,” he added. 

Marcos also hoped that Filipinos would regain strength in the presence of their family and loved ones this Holy Week. 

Catholics on Palm Sunday flock to churches with their traditional palaspas or palm fronds to signify the start of the Holy Week. 

The Holy Week this year will last until April 19, Black Saturday, and will be succeeded by Easter Sunday on April 20, when the Catholic faithful celebrate Jesus' resurrection. 

Under Proclamation 727 earlier issued by Malacañang, April 17 (Maundy Thursday) and April 18 (Good Friday) are regular holidays, while April 19 (Black Saturday) is a special non-working day. —RF, GMA Integrated News