Robredo’s reminder on Easter Sunday: ‘Walang Pilipinong nag-iisa’

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo reminded Filipinos on Easter Sunday that they are not alone amidst the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her Easter Sunday message, Robredo noted that this is the second time that the country celebrates Holy Week under the pandemic that recently triggered another strict lockdown in Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces.

“Gaya ng paulit-ulit na nating pinatunayan sa mga nagdaang taon: Walang Pilipinong nag-iisa. Magkakaiba man ang mga kontekstong pinanggagalingan natin, iisang ‘better normal’ ang pangarap nating pandayin— isang mundong mas patas, mas makatao, mas makatarungan, lalo na para sa mga nasa laylayan,” she said.

(Like what we have repeatedly proven in the previous years, there is no Filipino who is alone. We may have come from different backgrounds, but we are aiming for a common “better normal”—a world that is more fair, humane and just, especially for people in the lowest levels of society.)

“At dahil bitbit natin ang isa’t isa, walang duda — gaya ng pangakong dala ng muling pagkabuhay, isang pangako ng buhay na walang-hanggan na nagbubukal sa walang-hanggang pag-ibig at pag-asa — tiyak na mararating natin ang mithiin na ito,” she added.

(And because we got each other’s back, there is no doubt that just like the promise brought by the resurrection, the promise of eternal life that gives way to endless love and hope — we are sure that we will realize this goal.)

The Vice President likewise noted how the pandemic has continued to change our lives in recent weeks, especially in view of rising cases, the burden on the healthcare system and shrinking economy.

These “disruptions,” she said, have brought mixed emotions, from fear to doubt to sadness.

“But if there is anything that Easter and the Lenten Season reminds us, it is that during these extraordinary times of darkness, we are renewed by our faith, hope, and love for one another,” Robredo said.

“Ito ang nagpapatatag at nagpapalakas sa atin, ang sisigurong maaalpasan natin ang kalbaryong pasan natin ngayon. Sa pagmamahal ni Kristo, sa pagpili Niyang makiisa sa lahat ng hirap at pagsubok ng buhay natin, humuhugot tayo ng inspirasyon para magsimula at makabangon muli,” the Vice President added.

(This is what strengthens us—the assurance that we will surpass the crisis that we are carrying now. We get our inspiration to start again and rise up from the love of Christ, from his decision to be one in our sufferings and challenges.)

“Patuloy sana tayong gabayan ng Panginoon, at nawa’y mas lalo pang lumalim ang pagmamahal na nagbibigkis sa atin. Isang mapayapa at mapagpalang pagdiriwang ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay sa ating lahat,” Robredo also said.

(May the Lord always guide us and may this love that binds us together grow all the more. A peaceful and blessed Easter Sunday to all of us.)

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JE