Marcos urges Pinoys to seek truth, humility, compassion like Blessed Virgin Mary

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday encouraged Filipinos to let truth, humility, and compassion guide their actions, in his message on the occasion of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.

"The Immaculate Conception reminds us that the way we begin matters. Our intentions shape our outcomes, and the spirit in which we start a mission influences the fruit it bears. If we sow pride, we reap division; if we sow deceit, we reap distrust," Marcos said.

"But if we begin with truth, humility, and compassion for the least among us, we can build a more just and peaceful Bagong Pilipinas: a nation where integrity, service, and the common good guide our every action," he added.

December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, has been declared a special non-working day.

"I join the Filipino nation in the observance of the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. On this sacred day, we turn our gaze to Mary, whose life began entirely in God's favor," Marcos said.

"Preserved from sin from the very first moment of her existence, she was able to offer her "yes" to God with complete freedom and love. In Mary, the Church sees not a distant figure, but a Mother who journeys with us — interceding, guiding, and showing us what it truly means to belong to God wholeheartedly," he added.

Marcos said the occasion is an invitation for Filipinos to reflect as a people.

"As we honor the Blessed Virgin Mary, may her example of purity, devotion, and unwavering faith inspire us to lead lives anchored in grace and purpose," he said.

"Through her intercession, may our leaders be guided by wisdom and discernment, our institutions purified at the root, and our people united in hope. Let us draw strength from her life as we continue building a nation that places God at its center and holds fast to the dignity of every Filipino," he added, as he wished everyone a solemn and meaningful celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. —KG, GMA Integrated News