State officials marked the traditional holiday weekend by calling on the public to convert personal remembrance into active civic responsibility and community care.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized that commemorating the deceased requires a commitment to supporting living communities across the country.
Marcos, who paid his respects to the late president Ferdinand E. Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on October 30 ahead of the holidays, stated that Filipinos should honor those who have passed away not just through prayers, “but also through the way we care for those who remain”.
“May these solemn days bring peace to those who mourn and remind us to cherish the people we hold dear,” Marcos also said.
Echoing the message of communal support, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr. noted in a social media post that the nation united in observing All Souls’ Day on Monday to honor the legacy of departed relatives.
“May our prayers bring comfort, our memories keep their legacy alive, and our faith give us strength and peace,” Lagdameo added.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian highlighted the social cohesion that emerges from annual cemetery visits, pointing out that offerings of flowers and prayers serve to reunite families and preserve shared heritage.
“Even though they are no longer by our side, they remain a part of our lives and our hearts,” Gatchalian said.
The annual commemorations conclude following the national observance of All Saints’ Day, a regular holiday on November 1, and All Souls’ Day on November 2, which was declared a special non-working day.