President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has urged Muslim communities to draw closer to the values of mercy, justice, and service as the holy month of Ramadan began on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
In his message, the President extended his greetings to the Filipino Muslims across the country and the global Islamic community as they observed the month-long fasting, prayer, and reflection.
Marcos also urged the faithful to deepen their commitment to Allah’s teachings and to embody kindness and solidarity, especially for those most in need.
“During these blessed hours, may you find opportunity to reinvigorate your solidarity and rekindle your shared concern for one another. Continue becoming a vessel of kindness, understanding, and empowerment throughout this sacred month and beyond,” Marcos said in a statement.
Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Antonio Lagdameo, Jr. also conveyed his message for a peaceful and meaningful observance of Ramadan.
In a statement, Lagdameo expressed hope that the sacred month would bring spiritual renewal and further strengthen unity within communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), particularly in the provinces of Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi.
“May this Holy Month bring spiritual renewal and further strengthen the bonds of unity that help us build a more peaceful and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas,” Lagdameo said.
Lagdameo also highlighted the significance of solidarity, mutual respect, and collective responsibility in promoting peace and development in the Bangsamoro region even as he emphasized that Ramadan is not only a period of devotion but also an opportunity for compassion and community-building.
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua called on the Bangsamoro community to observe Ramadan with gratitude, hope, and self-reflection.
Macacua emphasized that the holy month serves as a reminder of the values of self-restraint, patience, humility, compassion, and sincerity.
“Ramadhan carries deep wisdom for each of us. It reminds us that true strength is found in self-restraint, that clarity comes when we pause and reflect, and that sincerity is shown through sacrifice,” Macacua said.
“When we fast, we learn patience. When we pray, we learn humility. When we give, we learn compassion,” he added.
Macacua urged individuals to examine their hearts, choose what is right even in difficult times, and seek what pleases Allah above all else.
He also underscored the importance of unity, noting that families gathering for iftar and communities praying together strengthen bonds and deepen care for one another.
“For the Bangsamoro, this month is a reminder that lasting peace begins with moral strength. Justice begins with personal integrity. Peace begins with self-control. Progress begins with faith,” Macacua said.
“To every Bangsamoro elders and youth, workers and professionals, leaders and citizens, I encouraged you all, starting from myself to use this month to mend divisions, restore trust, and walk together in faith and responsibility,” Macacua added.
