President Benigno S. Aquino III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Seeing is believing. In the case of the Philippines, those who used to question the government are now believers, according to President Benigno Aquino III.
Aquino, in his Easter message likened Jesus Christ’s suffering and resurrection to the country’s economic revival.
He said Christ’s resurrection allowed mankind to bask in the light, with many people regaining and strengthening their faith. However, there were also others like the apostle Thomas who doubted it.
“Gaya po ng landas na piniling tahakin ni Hesukristo, nanindigan at muling bumangon ang ating bayan mula sa malubhang katiwalian at kahirapan,” he said in a five-minute video message released Sunday.
(Like the path chosen by Jesus Christ, our nation made a stand and rose again from corruption and poverty.)
Aquino then enumerated the achievements of his administration, from the expanding scope of social services, through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and PhilHealth, and to the thousands of Tesda (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) scholars who have found work in various sectors.
He assured that students were receiving quality education while shortages in chairs, books and classrooms have been addressed.
The successful signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was also mentioned as a start of good relations and peace in Mindanao. Aquino said the Transition Commission has already submitted the draft bill creating the new Bangsamoro political entity and that it will soon be sent to Congress for approval.
“Ilan lang po ito sa mabubuting balita ng pagbangon ng ating bayan. Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa mga naniwala, at patuloy na naniniwala, gayundin sa mga nagduda noong una, at ngayon ay nakikiambag na sa ating mabuting agenda,” he said.
(These are just some of the good news on our country’s continued recovery. We thank everyone who believed, and continue to believe, and those who first doubted it but are now contributing to our good agenda.)
The President promised to devote the remaining years of his term to strengthening the institution, making accountable corrupt individuals and uplifting the lives of the Filipino people.
He reminded the people of Christ’s challenge to shun evil and live by His example – of doing good, loving, and caring for others.
“Dahil sa ating pagdadamayan, lumiliwanag na ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa. Bilang inyong pinuno, may hangganan po ang ating termino at serbisyo. Tungkulin po nating ipagpatuloy ang ating magandang nasimulan, at gawing permanente ang tinatamasang transpormasyon ng ating lipunan,” Aquino said.
(Because of our cooperation, the future of our country is becoming brighter. As your leader, my term and service has its limitations. But it is our duty to ensure that what we had started will continue, and that the transformation of our society will become permanent.)
Aquino said that as long as people care for each other and let God guide them, the nation will achieve the fulfillment of its prayers and aspirations.
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