Vice President Sara Duterte marked the Feast of the Immaculate Conception by urging Filipinos to look to the Virgin Mary’s character as a model for national unity, citing the challenges currently confronting the country.
In a recorded message released on Monday, Duterte pointed to the Virgin Mary’s life as a source of inspiration. “Today, as we commemorate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, let us reflect on the spirit of resilience inspired by the Virgin Mary’s life. Her strength and humility guide us to uphold values that unite our nation,” she said.
She noted that communities continue to face disasters, political tension, and social issues, and encouraged the public to respond with solidarity rather than division. “Amidst disasters, political turmoil, and social strife, may this celebration inspire us to cultivate hope, support one another, and work toward progress,” she added.
Duterte emphasized that the virtues associated with the Virgin Mary should extend beyond times of crisis and be applied to nation-building. “Let us remain steadfast in our beliefs, align our actions for the common good, and together build a stronger, more compassionate Philippines,” she said.
She ended her message with an appeal for love of country: “Let us love the Philippines—for God, for the nation, and for every Filipino family.”
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception—observed each year as a special non-working holiday in the Philippines—affirms the Catholic belief that Mary was conceived without original sin.
