Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Grand Iftar 2026

Thank you to the Special Assistant to the President, Secretary Anton Lagdameo.

[Please take your seats.]

With us here the Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; the members of the Cabinet; the honorable members of the House of the Representatives; and the officials and members of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao led by Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua; fellow workers in government; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to join you here today for iftar and share a meal with you.

Your presence here affirms that our nation remains a place where people of every faith and background are always welcome in fellowship and with mutual respect.

And today, that spirit of welcome is made even more meaningful because Ramadan is a time for people to come together. It is a time to gather with family, sit beside neighbors, reconnect with the wider community.

As we gather here, we are mindful that many parts of the country and the world are facing uncertainty and serious challenges.

We see tensions in different parts of the world, particularly now in the Middle East—a region that is deeply significant to many who share the Islamic faith.

Many of us—if not all—follow the recent developments closely. These events prompt us to reflect and to respond on their possible effects, not only on the international community, but more importantly, on our own people, our economy, and the everyday lives of our families.

We are likewise saddened and concerned on the rising human [cost of the conflict.]

We think of the many innocent lives that are clearly being affected, especially our Muslim brothers and sisters who, during this sacred month, should be experiencing a time of peace and reflection, and yet are now burdened with worry and distress.

Many Filipino Muslims also share in this profound sorrow.

So, in moments like these, we are reminded of a simple truth: peace anywhere matters to people everywhere.

Here in the Philippines, we continue our steady work to safeguard and to strengthen the foundations of peace.

And we do so with a deep sense of responsibility, mindful that the decisions we make here today must help secure a safer and more stable future for our children and for the families that they will one day build.

Ramadan offers us guidance on how we might respond to these realities.

Through fasting, prayer, and acts of generosity, you demonstrate values that also strengthen our nation. The values of discipline, humility, and compassion for those who have less. These are not merely spiritual [ideals] and personal virtues; they are civic duties as well.

In many ways, Ramadan teaches us a powerful lesson in nation-building. A strong nation after all, is built by citizens who have the heart and the discipline to put the welfare of others before their own.

And this spirit is reflected in our continuing and committed work for lasting peace in Mindanao and throughout our country.

One of our greatest hopes lies in the continued progress of the BARMM.

The journey toward peace and meaningful self-governance is never simple. It requires patience, honest dialogue, and the courage to believe that reconciliation is always possible.

As previously and numerously mentioned before, this Administration remains fully supportive of creating a people-centered governance system in the Bangsamoro region.

Our work is not yet done. We remain steadfast that we will ensure the promise of peace translates into real opportunities for the Bangsamoro people and for all Filipinos.

Because peace must not exist only in signed agreements; it must be felt in everyday life.

And so, gatherings like this carry a deeper meaning than what we sometimes realize. They inspire all of us, Muslim and non-Muslims alike, to walk the path of respect, of understanding, and solidarity.

When we recognize the sacredness of each other’s traditions, we sit together and we gather for prayer, we strengthen the quiet foundation of our nation.

As the remaining days of this holy month approach, may you find a greater sense of purpose in serving both the Almighty and our communities.

Together, let us continue building a nation where every Filipino, regardless of faith, culture, or background, will live in dignity, security, and confidence in the future.

May the Almighty accept your fasts and prayers, bless our homes, and guide our beloved country to an even brighter and more peaceful Bagong Pilipinas.

Thank you, and once again, as-salamu alaykum.

[applause]

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