Duterte: Embrace uncertainty with hope, determination

President Duterte. MALACAÑANG PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said the resilience of Filipinos would help the nation overcome adversities in 2018.

In his New Year message, Mr. Duterte urged the nation to draw strength from achievements in the past year and turn a new page with renewed hope.

“I greet the Filipino people, here in the Philippines and in all corners of the world, as we welcome the new year,” Mr. Duterte said.

“As we spend time with our family, friends and loved ones in turning a new page in our nation’s history, let us draw strength from what we have achieved both as individuals and as a community in the past year,” he said.

“It is my hope that we foster solidarity as we move forward in our pursuit of providing a more comfortable and productive life for all,” he added.

Slew of challenges

Mr. Duterte acknowledged that the country encountered a slew of challenges “that impeded our progress” in 2017.

“We are at a time when our resolve is being tested by many trials and difficulties. Corruption, criminality, illegal drugs and terrorism have impeded our progress in the past year,” he said.

“However, I remain hopeful that our resilience will enable us to overcome and rise above these challenges as one nation,” he added.

But these challenges, he said, should not cast doubt on the country’s resolve to achieve a “better and prosperous future.”

“Let us embrace this coming year’s uncertainty with a glimmer of hope and remain determined in achieving our vision of a better and more prosperous future,” Mr. Duterte said.

“I wish all of us a fruitful and blessed New Year,” he added.