Vice President Sara Z. Duterte called on Filipinos to reflect, pray, and unite as the country observes Holy Week, one of the most sacred periods in the Christian calendar.
In a heartfelt message released on April 14, Duterte expressed solidarity with the Filipino people in their observance of prayer, fasting, and spiritual renewal.
“This is a significant time for us to reflect on the holy sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave His life to save us from our sins,” the Vice President said. “May His sacrifice serve as a light to guide us, especially in moments when we feel weak, hopeless, burdened, or filled with anger.”
(Ito ay mahalagang pagkakataon upang pagnilayan natin ang banal na pag-aalay ng buhay ni Hesus upang iligtas tayo sa ating mga kasalanan. Magsilbi sanang ilaw sa atin ang sakripisyo ni Hesus at patatagin natin ang ating pananampalataya sa mga panahong tayo ay nagiging mahina, nawawalan ng pag-asa, o punong-puno ng pasanin, galit, at mga hangaring lumaban sa ating kapwa.)
Duterte emphasized that Lent is not only a religious observance but also a timely invitation to heal as a nation, especially amid the deepening challenges and divisions the country is facing. She highlighted the importance of returning to core Filipino values such as compassion, faith, and unity.
“As our nation continues to endure great trials, Lent invites us to a time of healing, reconciliation, and reflection on the values we hold dear as Filipinos,” she said.
(“Habang dumaranas ang bayan ng matinding pagsubok at lalong lumalalim ang pagkawatak-watak, ang Kuwaresma ay paanyaya para sa panahon ng paghilom, pagbabalik-loob, at pagbabalik-tanaw sa mga pinahahalagahan nating Pilipino: malasakit, pananampalataya, at pagkakaisa.“)
The Vice President also encouraged Filipinos to embody and spread the love of Jesus by strengthening faith-driven and service-oriented communities.
“Let us follow Christ’s example of love — teach it, share it, and use it to empower communities rooted in faith, service, and patriotism,” she added.
(Tularan sana natin ang pagmamahal ni Hesus sa atin — ituro ito, palaganapin ito, at gamitin ito sa ating pagsusulong at pagpapalakas ng mga komunidad na nananampalataya, nagsisilbi sa kapwa at sa bayan.)
Concluding her message, Duterte expressed hope for a brighter future through collective faith and unity: “Let us believe. Let us unite. Together, we can overcome the darkness. Everything we do is for God, the country, and every Filipino family.”
“God save the Philippines. Shukran,” she ended.
(Manalig tayo. Magkaisa tayo. Malalampasan natin ang dilim. God save the Philippines. Ang lahat ng ginagawa natin ay para sa Diyos, sa Bayan, at sa bawat Pamilyang Pilipino.)
