Aquino: We gained strength, wisdom from calamities

President Benigno Aquino III. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The year 2014 was “another seemingly insurmountable challenge” but “we have soldiered on,” President Benigno Aquino III said on Tuesday.

“While Visayas continues on the track of recovery from (Supertyphoon) Yolanda, (Typhoon) Ruby threatened to dismantle what we had already started to rebuild,” Aquino said in his Christmas message.

“But we have soldiered on. Through our solidarity and His benevolence, we gained the strength and wisdom to lead our people away from peril,” Aquino said.

Ruby (international name: Hagupit) hit the country early this month with almost the same path as Yolanda that ravaged Eastern Visayas last year.

At least 18 people were killed and millions were affected by Ruby.

Aquino visited Eastern Samar on Monday to oversee the recovery and rehabilitation efforts made by the government.

“In this time of giving, may we also remember those who are still going through the process of healing, those who have been displaced by calamity and those whose spirits are consumed by despair, doubt and apathy: Let us open our hearts to them, that through the light of hope and faith we carry, may they find clarity, peace and resolve they seek,” Aquino said.

Originally posted: 4:57 PM | Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014

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