President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (File photo by RYAN LEAGOGO / INQUIRER.net)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday urged the Catholic faithful who celebrated the feast of Señor Sto. Niño in Cebu City to “translate their faith into action and spread the message of hope, love, and joy to others.”
The President expressed hope that devotees of the Holy Child will remain united in spurring the socio-economic growth in their city and further developing the thriving industry of Cebu.
As he joined the millions of devotees of Sto. Niño, he said the most important was to “always pray for spiritual strength and fortitude to overcome whatever challenges and difficulties that may lie ahead.”
He also reminded devotees to be guided by their faith and inspired by the “bayanihan” (volunteerism) spirit to remain conscious of their Catholic and social obligations.
He used the occasion to make a pitch for Filipinos to “reach the shared destiny toward the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ that opens a better and more abundant life for all …”
“Looking forward, I ask all of you to work hand in hand with this administration in maximizing all of the opportunities that will come before us in this New Year,” he said.
Marcos said the event was “one of the grandest and most colorful festivities in the Philippines.”
The Sinulog Festival is one occasion where Filipinos from all walks of life express their profound gratitude for the miracles, blessings, and countless deliverances bestowed upon them over the past year, he added.
It is also an avenue to pray for good health, protection, and prosperity in the year ahead, the chief executive said.