Marcos, Duterte lead commemoration of All Saints' Day

MANILA, Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday urged Filipinos to reflect on everyone's purpose and to remember the courage that the saints and their dearly departed have shown for the people to be empowered in facing present challenges.

Marcos issued the statement as he wished for a meaningful observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day on November 1 and 2, respectively.

Vice President Sara Duterte, in a separate message, urged Filipinos to pray for the continued blessing of the Philippines and for protection against calamities, wars, and "other forces".

In her All Saints Day message, Duterte said that the holiday will allow the country to pause in honor of all saints that reminded the world of "God's compassion, mercy, and enduring love." "As we celebrate the saints' staunch devotion and the legacies of those who have gone before us, let us reflect on our purpose and our unceasing need for God's guidance," Marcos said.

"At the same time, let us remember the courage that our saints and dearly departed have shown amidst their plight so that we may be empowered to be bold in living with and for Christ no matter the difficulties that we face in this world," he added.

The President hoped that the examples of faith demonstrated by our forebears "bind us all in appreciating the joy of leading a virtuous life here on earth as well as in recognizing the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ." "Our people's earnest obedience to this holy obligation throughout the centuries has given birth to the traditions that Filipinos carry until today—traditions displaying the essence of the Filipino culture and giving utmost importance to faith and family," Marcos said.

"This time comes as a refreshing gift, for we can also enjoy reuniting with our loved ones while receiving much-needed nourishment for our spiritual lives," he added.

Duterte called on the faithful to solemnly pray and reflect on their devotion and faith.

"Let us solemnly reflect on the profundity of their faith and devotion to God - and pray that their blessedness will guide us down the path where we are called to serve the poor, the oppressed, the sick, and the dying," she said.

She also prayed for the Philippines to have "continued blessing of strength and healing" and protection from multiple fronts.

"Let us pray for protection against calamities, disasters, wars, and forces that may threaten our unity and cause human suffering or death," Duterte said.

All Saints' Day, a liturgical feast held annually is a celebration of all Christian saints, particularly those who have no special feast days of their own.

All Souls' Day is about all souls and calls for God's mercy.

Meanwhile, the President reminded the public to comply with rules when visiting their departed loved ones in cemeteries or memorial parks.

In his vlog uploaded on his official Facebook page on Tuesday night, Marcos also advised travelers to keep safe during the holiday break.

"To everyone who is going on vacation or out-of-town today, be careful on your trip. Keep cemeteries clean and secure your belongings," he said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has established some 4,866 police assistance desks in all public cemeteries, memorial parks, columbaria, and catacombs around the country.

Over 27,000 police will also be deployed nationwide, as part of heightened alert measures.

The Philippine Coast Guard has also been placed under "heightened alert" status from October 25 until November 5 to ensure the orderly operations of sea transport facilities, convenient sea travel, and security of tourists.

The Bureau of Fire Protection, meanwhile, deployed personnel of its Emergency Medical Services to about 66 cemeteries in Metro Manila, as part of government preparations for "Undas."