Senators relay Christmas messages of hope, solidarity, joy

MANILA, Philippines — In celebration of Christmas, several senators on Tuesday called for solidarity among Filipinos by lending a hand those facing trials and difficulties during the holiday season.

Senator Nancy Binay said many Filipinos still do not have access to shelter, clean water, electricity, and adequate food following the natural calamities that recently hit the country.

She said that while Christmas is often a joyous celebration, the holiday becomes more meaningful when people live up its true essence.

“Napakabigat isipin na mayroon tayong mga kapatid na sasalubungin ang Pasko ni hindi kasama ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay,” Binay said.

(It’s so hard to think that we have countrymen who will be welcoming Christmas without their loved ones.)

“Nawa’y gamitin natin ang pag-asang dala ng kapanganakan ni Kristo upang bigyang pag-asa ang ating mga kababayan, lalung-lalo na ang mga kapatid nating nasalanta ng bagyo’t lindol,” she added.

(May we use the hope and inspiration of  Jesus Christ’s birth to give hope to our countrymen, especially those who were affected by the recent typhoon and earthquake.)

Senator Nancy Binay. PHOTO FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR NANCY BINAY

“May we always find hope and joy in celebrating Christmas as we share our hearts full of love, compassion, and faith.”

Solidarity

Meantime, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said Christmas is the time to express solidarity with our countrymen, particularly those who are facing struggles.

“Ang ating pagdadamayan sa ganitong mga panahon, kabilang na ang pagtulong natin sa ating kapwa ang nagpapahayag ng tunay na diwa ng Pasko,” Gatchalian said.

(Our solidarity during these times, including helping others, is the true essence of Christmas.)

“Sa pagdiriwang natin ng kapanganakan ng ating Panginoon kapiling ng ating mga mahal sa buhay, ang pagbibigay ng pag-asa ang pinakamagandang regalong maaari nating maibahagi sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.

(In celebrating the birth of Christ with our families,  giving hope is the most beautiful gift that we can give to our countrymen.)

Away from home

Senator Risa Hontiveros, meanwhile, thanked overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and members of the military and health professionals for their service even during the holiday season.

Hail, OFWs

Senator Sonny Angara said his Christmas prayer is that no Filipino ever have to leave their families to work overseas.

He is likewise wishing for improved public transportation system and more stable jobs for Filipinos.

“Ang pasko ay para sa pamilya. Sa mga kababayan natin na umuuwi mula sa ibat-ibang bayan kung saan sila ay nagtratrabaho para sa kanilang mga pamilya, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat,” Angara said.

(Christmas is for the family. To our countrymen who go home from various places where they work for their families, thank you all.)

“Dahil sa inyong sakripisyo, hindi lang kayo nakakatulong sa inyong mga pamilya, bahagi din kayo ng pag angat ng ekonomiya ng Pilipinas,” he added.

(Because of your sacrifices, you are not only helping your family, you’re also helping the country’s economy)

Call for genuine, lasting peace

Senator Francis Pangilinan, meanwhile, referenced the over 100,000 lives lost in the Battle of Manila in 1945 in touching on the issue of lives lost in the government’s campaign against drugs.

“This is why we struggle, why we fight: So that we achieve in our lifetime a genuine and lasting peace based on justice for our nation,” Pangilinan said.

 GSG