MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte called on Filipinos and the Chinese community to look forward to more opportunities for growth and prosperity as the nation celebrates the Chinese New Year on Tuesday.
“This year of the Water Tiger is hoped to bring us good fortune and renewed strength as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and other challenges that have tested our mettle as a nation. Through our courage, faith and determination, we have become more resilient and capable to build back better,” Duterte said in a statement.
“It is my fervent prayer that 2022 will be a better year for all of us, in terms of wealth, health, relationships and progress. As we look forward to the blessings of this auspicious occasion, let us continue to demonstrate the ideals of bayanihan and malasakit, especially to those who are most in need,” Duterte added.
President Rodrigo Duterte (file photo)
The president likewise encouraged Filipinos to “become instruments of peace, harmony and generosity.”
“Let us all look forward to more opportunities for growth and prosperity in the New Year and become instruments of peace, harmony and generosity to all,” said Duterte.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, is one of the events China and Chinese communities celebrate with lion and dragon dancing and firecrackers, among others.
The City of Manila has canceled the traditional Chinese New Year festivities in Binondo, where the oldest Chinatown in the world is located, amid the COVID-19 pandemic.