Quarantine measures still imposed on Eid’l Adha

FILE: EID’L ADHA PRAYER. Hundreds of Muslims celebrate the Eid’l Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) by offering a prayer at the Quirino Grandstand, Rizal Park in Manila on Tuesday (August 21, 2018). (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

MANILA – Malacañang on Thursday reminded the Muslim community and local government units to conform with existing community quarantine and safe physical distancing measures as they observe Eid’l Adha or Feast of Sacrifice.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte issued Proclamation No. 985 declaring July 31 a regular holiday in the country for the observance of the Feast after the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) recommended it.

Eid’l Adha commemorates Abraham’s obedience to God’s command of sacrifice. It is one of the two significant feasts of Islam, along with Eid’l Fitr. It also falls at the end of the Hajj pilgrimage season of Muslims worldwide to Mecca, which is currently closed to foreigners.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Thursday joined the Muslim community in the observance of Eid’l Adha.

Andanar said the foundation of the Feast resembles the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) efforts, calling for sacrifice as a test of loyalty and love.
“We are daily tested to sacrifice during this pernicious period of a pandemic,” he said.

Andanar also enjoined Filipinos to honor the tradition as everyone endeavors to end the pandemic.

“The commonality of our nationhood and the beliefs from which originate our religions bring me before all of you to venerate the Feast of Sacrifice as a people united before our one almighty God,” he said. “With this in mind, we wish our Muslim brothers and sisters Divine blessings as they make their prayers and sacrifices during this festive day of Eid’l Adha.” (PCOO PR)