Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called on Filipinos to unite in the face of a series of typhoons that have recently devastated the nation, urging leaders to recommit to faith and lead with compassion and integrity. He delivered this message during the 49th Philippine National Prayer Breakfast (PNPB) held at Malacañang, emphasizing the crucial role of unity and faith amidst the challenges confronting the country. According to Philippines News Agency, the President highlighted the power of collective faith and prayer as essential tools for overcoming the destruction brought by these storms. Addressing government and Christian leaders, Marcos underscored the importance of coming together, setting aside differences, and serving the shared goal of helping the Philippines prosper. The PNPB, founded in 1975 by Senate President Gil Puyat and lawyer Francisco Ortigas Jr., serves as a platform for leaders from various sectors to seek divine guidance for the nation. Marcos expressed his gratitude and sen se of purpose in participating in the PNPB, which he described as a cornerstone of national reflection. He encouraged leaders to unite in prayer, setting aside their titles and agendas, and focusing on serving the Filipino people. The President also urged future leaders to let faith guide them, providing courage in times of doubt and tempering ambition with a greater sense of purpose. The President called on leaders to ensure that love, mercy, and humility are present in every decision and action. He emphasized the need to bequeath a leadership culture that prioritizes integrity over expediency, vision over short-term gains, and harmony over discord. Marcos appealed for a recommitment to service imbued with faith and prayerful discernment, urging leaders to renew their pledge to seek divine wisdom, build bridges, and lead with conviction. Marcos noted that the gathering was timely, as Filipinos faced successive challenges since Oct. 21, starting with Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and continuing with Super Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-yi). He reminded attendees that leadership without faith is like a ship without a compass, stressing the importance of guidance rooted in faith and wisdom. "True leadership, the kind that transforms people's lives for the better, is guided by wisdom and is rooted in faith and in God," said Marcos, reinforcing the core message of the PNPB gathering.