In observance of the holy month of Ramadan, the University of the Philippines, led by President Angelo Jimenez, hosted an Iftar reception dinner for leaders of the country’s Islamic community, and members of the diplomatic corps and the UP academic community, March 17 at the Executive House, UP Diliman.
“Just as individuals practice restraint during Ramadan, nations and communities may also learn the value of restraint, empathy, and dialogue,” Jimenez said in his welcome remarks.
In his message, Robinhood Padilla, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and Muslim Affairs, emphasized the need for prayers for peace and justice. “We pray because that is the only way out of this very big mess,” he said, referring to the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Professor Julkipli Wadi, dean of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, highlighted the university’s role in broadening perspectives, strengthening interfaith relations, and promoting a vision of harmony and cooperation with Muslim institutions.
Amina Rasul-Bernardo, president of the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, closed the brief program, “Iftar brings us together as a community.”
Iftar marks the breaking of the daily fast at sunset during Ramadan. The gathering at UP underscored shared values and a collective responsibility to build a more just and peaceful world.
View scenes from the event:
