From left to right: President Ferdinand Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, and House speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez聽 (Photos from Agence France-Presse and the Facebook pages of Duterte and the House of Representatives)
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday joined Filipinos in welcoming the New Year as he called on them to embody the spirit of solidarity and to keep on contributing to the country鈥檚 development.
鈥淎s we welcome 2024 with great optimism, I call upon every Filipino from every corner of the world to contribute to the future of our beloved Motherland. Let us embody the spirit of solidarity through acts of kindness, volunteerism, and compassion, knowing that each of us is a catalyst for our country鈥檚 meaningful social transformation,鈥� the president said in his New Year鈥檚 message.
Vice President Sara Duterte wished Filipinos a 鈥減ositive and progressive view in life鈥� to greet 2024, praying for a 鈥渕ore comfortable, peaceful and sturdy life for all鈥� and hoped that the new year could serve as an opportunity to 鈥渄eepen, strengthen and broaden our unity as a country.鈥�
鈥淭he year 2023 has been a colorful year for our country and for the world 鈥� there have been many stories of triumph, challenges, and hope but as Filipinos, we remained strong and sturdy,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 why our vision for the future couldn鈥檛 be clearer: we want to continue offering selfless and honest service.鈥�
鈥淢ay each and every one of us have renewed hope, strength, and firm determination to keep working hard and to unite for the betterment of each Filipino,鈥� she added.
Challenges, triumphs
Marcos also called on the public to take the opportunity to reflect on the achievements and lessons of the previous year and face the new one with unity.
鈥淎s a nation, we bid farewell to the challenges and triumphs of the past year and embrace a new dawn of opportunity and hope that heralds another fresh start for all. Indeed, every new beginning allows us to reflect on what we have accomplished, move forward with the lessons we have learned, and reinforce the unity we have forged as a people,鈥� he said.
The president expressed delight in welcoming the new year as he called on the people to join him in enhancing unity and planning for the future under his 鈥淏agong Pilipinas鈥� (New Philippines) governance branding.
鈥淭ruly, I am delighted to begin this New Year with you as we strengthen our bonds and charter a new road map for tomorrow. Let the dream of a revitalized Philippines 鈥� a Bagong Pilipinas 鈥� guide our every endeavor as we bring forth peace, progress, and prosperity for all,鈥� he said.
鈥楳颈濒别蝉迟辞苍别鈥�
Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez called on Filipinos to approach 2024 with renewed optimism and to view challenges ahead as opportunities to innovate and collaborate in nation-building.
In his message, Romualdez said 2023 has been a 鈥渕ilestone, a testament to our shared dedication to progress, unity, and service.鈥�
The speaker thanked members of the House of Representatives, saying, 鈥淭he commitment and hard work of each of you, as members of our community, have been pivotal in the passage of critical bills, measures, and resolutions addressing the varied needs of our nation. From economic reforms to social initiatives, these efforts have been about improving the lives of every Filipino.鈥�
鈥淎s we look to 2024, let us approach it with a sense of renewed optimism and purpose. The challenges ahead are opportunities for us to innovate, collaborate, and build a nation that echoes the dreams and aspirations of every Filipino,鈥� he urged Filipinos.
鈥淭ogether, let鈥檚 continue to work toward a legislative agenda that responds to the pressing needs of our times,鈥� Romualdez added.