Welcome 2026 with courage, determination – VP Sara Duterte

Vice President Sara Duterte in her New Year’s Eve video message (Screengrab from Office of the Vice President)

MANILA, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte called on Filipinos to welcome 2026 with courage and determination in her New Year’s Eve message on Wednesday.

In her video statement, Duterte also encouraged the public to face the new year without hesitation and fear, citing the strength of Filipinos’ resilience.

“Sa pagsalubong natin sa 2026, iwaksi na natin ang anumang pag-aalinlangan at takot. Ngayon ang simula ng isang panibagong kabanata, isang malinis na pahina na punung-puno ng pag-asa. Hayaan nating mag-alab muli ang ating tapang at determinasyon,” the vice president said.

(As we welcome 2026, let us cast aside any doubts and fears. Today is the beginning of a new chapter, a clean slate filled with hope. Let us rekindle our courage and determination.)

“Anuman ang hamon na ating haharapin, taglay natin ang pambihirang lakas upang malampasan ang lahat ng balakid. Sa bawat pagsubok, lalabas tayong mas matatag,” she added.

(No matter what challenges we face, we possess the extraordinary strength to overcome all obstacles. With each trial, we emerge stronger.)

She said that the new year is a time to unite and to renew perspectives, adding that prayer and determination will lead to change.

“Itinuring natin ang bagong taon na paanyaya upang magkaisa at magsimula nang may panibagong pananaw. Ang ating pinagsamang lakas at pananampalataya ang susi ng tunay na pagbabago,” Duterte continued.

(We see the new year as an invitation to unite and start with a new vision. Our combined strength and faith are the key to true change.)

“Sama-sama tayong magsikap at magdasal na ang 2026 ay maging taon ng pag-asa at pagpapala,” she encouraged.

(Let us work together and pray that 2026 will be a year of hope and blessings.)

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The vice president also hoped for a “brighter and prosperous” start to the new year.

“Maligayang Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat! Nawa’y maging mas maliwanag at maunlad ang ating panibagong simula,” she further said.

(Happy New Year to all of you! May our new beginning be brighter and more prosperous.) /gsg