Marcos renews call for solidarity in the new year

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos | PHOTO: John THYS / AFP

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to “embody the true meaning of solidarity” as he joined Filipinos with hope and optimism in welcoming the New Year. “The innate bayanihan spirit in all of us is what will keep us going amidst all adversities that will continue to test our fortitude as a nation,” he told Filipinos in his New Year message.

“As we reflect on the events that transpired in the previous year, I hope that we will draw strength and inspiration from what truly binds us together—our genuine love for our fellow Filipinos and our country,” he said. According to him, this is the essence of his repeated call for unity to work together for the realization of Filipinos’ shared aspirations as a people.

Marcos also urged Filipinos to unite “toward our goal of giving a better life to every Filipino family.

“I am confident that, by coming together, we can withstand and overcome all challenges and bring our nation to greater heights,” he said.

Before ending the year, Marcos also extended his sincerest condolences to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the passing of his mother.

The Office of the Press Secretary said the President and the first family are scheduled to spend New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Malacañang.

The President will fly to Beijing on the afternoon of Jan. 3 for a state visit to China until Jan. 5.He will be traveling with first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Speaker Martin Romualdez, Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and other Cabinet officials. His trip to China will be his first foreign trip for 2023 and his eighth official trip overseas since he assumed office on June 30. INQ

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