Councilor Rogelio “Gerky” Valesco yesterday commended all Muslims here and abroad on their successful observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan, a period of fasting or abstinence from worldly things which ends at sunset today.

“We congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters in the city for having successfully completed their fasting, and we wish that their Ramadan prayers and sacrifices will strengthen our resolve for unity and peace,” Valesco said, noting that 27 percent of the city’s population is Muslim.

As the Muslims celebrate Eid’l Fitr tomorrow, marking the end of Ramandan and which Malacañang has declared a regular holiday, Valesco said the occasion is an opportune time for Muslims and Christians to renew and strengthen “our common grounds for unity and peace in this part of the country.

Eid’l Fitr, an Islamic festival of renewal, reconciliation and peace that marks the end of the holy month of fasting, is a regular holiday in the country based on Republic Act No. 9177. The proclamation noted that the Muslim world celebrates Eid’l Fitr for three days after the end of the month of fasting.

What makes the occasion even more relevant, according to Valesco, is the celebration yesterday for Christians the birthday of Mama Mary, and the preparation of a grand Fiesta Pilar celebration next month which will be preceded by the annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.

“Everybody is in festive mood, and we take this opportunity to join our Muslim brothers and sisters in their Eid’l Fitr celebration,” Valesco stressed, adding that since time immemorial Muslims and Christians live in unity, peace and harmony in Zamboanga City. “We hope to further solidify our ties to make our city more progressive and peaceful. Eid Mubarak!”