VP Sara thanks frontliners spending Christmas far from families: You’re PH’s hope

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has thanked frontliners who are celebrating Christmas far from their families because of work, saying that they signify the strength and hope of the country.

In her Christmas message on Monday, December 25, Duterte asked frontliners to always remember that people are grateful for their services.

“Habang nadarama natin ang init ng panahon ng Kapaskuhan, nais kong ipahayag ang aking pasasalamat at taos-pusong pagbati sa inyong lahat na aming mga frontliners, mga sundalo, pulis, bumbero, doctor, nurses, iba pang health workers, disaster response personnel at lahat ng first responders, emergency personnel at mga quick response teams, at iba pa na nagdiriwang ng Pasko na malayo sa inyong mga mahal sa buhay dahil sa inyong trabaho,” she said.

(As we feel the warmth of the Christmas season, I want to thank and wholeheartedly greet all our frontliners, soldiers, police officers, firefighters, doctors, nurses, other health workers, disaster response personnel and all first first responders, emergency personnel, and quick response teams, and others who celebrate their Christmas far from their loved ones because of their jobs.)

“Ang inyong walang pag-iimbot na pangako at kahandaang magsakripisyo para sa Diyos, ating bansa, at inyong mga pamilya ay nagsisilbing tanglaw ng pag-asa at katatagan. Kayo ay sumisimbolo ng katapangan at pagkakawanggawa habang pinoprotektahan ninyo ang ating bansa,” she added.

(Your pure vow and readiness to sacrifice for God, country, and your families are a ray of hope and strength. You symbolize courage and charity while protecting our country.)

READ: Marcos’ Christmas message: Spread hope, help the needy 

Duterte also said that she hopes the spirit of Christmas would give them strength to continue their sacrifices.

“Ngayong panahon ng Pasko, habang kayo ay nagsiserbisyo na malayo sa ginhawa ng tahanan, nawa’y malaman ninyo na kayo ay nasa aming mga isipan at panalangin. Hindi man napapansin ang inyong mga sakripisyo ngunit nagdudulot ito ng karangalan sa inyong pamilya,” she said.

(This season of Christmas, while you are serving far from the comforts of your home, I hope you know that you are in our minds and prayers.  While many might not realize your sacrifices, this brings pride to your family.)

“Nawa’y ang diwa ng Pasko ay magbigay sa inyo ng lakas at ginhawa. Nawa’y maramdaman ninyo ang pagmamahal at pasasalamat na nararamdaman namin para sa inyo, anuman ang distansyang naghihiwalay sa atin. Ang iyong paglilingkod ay kaloob na nagpapakita ng iyong pagmamahal, para sa ating bayan at sa mga kababayan,” she added.

(I hope the spirit of Christmas brings you strength and comfort. I hope you feel the love and gratitude we have towards you, whatever distance separates us. Your service shows your love for our country and fellow Filipinos.)

Top officials of the country have made their greetings on Sunday and Monday, led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who said that it is important to spread hope during Christmas by reaching out to those in need.

According to Marcos, the true meaning of Christmas “lies in the recognition of the season as an opportunity to reach out to those who are suffering from solitude, sickness, and poverty.”