By Lade Jean Kabagani | Philippine News Agency
MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday reminded Filipinos to cherish all their experiences gained from the year about to end, including struggles and victories in overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic and the damage caused by Typhoon Odette in Visayas and Mindanao.
Duterte said the Filipinos’ distinct resilience and bayanihan (cooperation) spirit help the country come out stronger amid the challenging times.
“Every day, we continue to witness the indomitable spirit of the Filipino that adapts, endures, and triumphs over all adversities. The dedication and courage of our people, especially of our medical and essential front liners, uniformed services, civilian personnel, and volunteers, demonstrate what great things we can achieve if we work in solidarity,” Duterte said in a statement.
“As we take a whole-of-nation approach to recover and build back better, may we all be inspired by the promise of new beginnings that the New Year brings,” he said.
The President also urged the Filipinos “to aim higher and do things better in the spirit of genuine “malasakit at pagbabago (devotion and change)” as we will be entering another fresh start and opportunity next year.
“Let all our aspirations and actions be guided by our strong sense of nationhood and our deep faith in the Almighty. May we also find a stronger and higher purpose in our lives so that we may pursue only what is good for our families, communities, and the entire nation,” Duterte said.
“Isang pinagpala at masaganang Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat (A blessed and prosperous New Year to you all)!” he concluded. (PNA) -ag
