News Release

President Duterte joins Filipinos in observing All Saints Day, All Souls Day


President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday joined all Filipino Catholics in commemorating All Saints Day and All Souls Day, asking them to pray for the country’s frontliners who made sacrifices in fighting the current coronavirus pandemic.

“This centuries-old tradition of honoring those who have came before us and live virtuous lives, as well as remembering our dearly departed, is a strong pillar of our faith and identity as a people,” President Duterte said in his message.

“As we follow the example of the saints and pray for our loved ones who have passed on, let us also pray for each other, especially during this pandemic.”

“We pray for those who have died because of COVID-19 and we also pray for those who have sacrificed life and limb to save more lives and keep us safe.”

The President said he hopes this year’s observance will give Filipinos time to reflect and be grateful for the gift of life and the promise of eternity.

He added, “With the grace of the Almighty, I have full trust that we will brave these trying times and emerge as a stronger nation”.

The Philippines remains the most Catholic country in Asia, according to the Vatican. It has the largest Catholic population in Asia with more than 85 million. PND