Marcos, Duterte call on Filipinos to welcome 2024 with optimism

From left to right: President Ferdinand Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, and House speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez  (Photos from Agence France-Presse and the Facebook pages of Duterte and the House of Representatives)

MANILA, Philippines — 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’s development.

“As 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’s meaningful social transformation,” the president said in his New Year’s message.

Vice President Sara Duterte wished Filipinos a “positive and progressive view in life” to greet 2024, praying for a “more comfortable, peaceful and sturdy life for all” and hoped that the new year could serve as an opportunity to “deepen, strengthen and broaden our unity as a country.”

“The year 2023 has been a colorful year for our country and for the world — there have been many stories of triumph, challenges, and hope but as Filipinos, we remained strong and sturdy,” she said. “It’s why our vision for the future couldn’t be clearer: we want to continue offering selfless and honest service.”

“May 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,” 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.

“As 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,” 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 “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) governance branding.

“Truly, 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 — a Bagong Pilipinas — guide our every endeavor as we bring forth peace, progress, and prosperity for all,” he said.

‘Milestone’

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 “milestone, a testament to our shared dedication to progress, unity, and service.”

The speaker thanked members of the House of Representatives, saying, “The 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.”

“As 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,” he urged Filipinos.

“Together, let’s continue to work toward a legislative agenda that responds to the pressing needs of our times,” Romualdez added.