(CNN Philippines) — President Benigno Aquino III on Sunday (April 5) urged the Filipinos to follow the lead of the resurrected Christ by keeping their faith strong amid the challenges and hardships that lie ahead.
In Aquino’s Easter message, which was read by Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., the President joined the estimated 80 million Catholic Filipinos in the celebration of Christ’s resurrection as he reminded the public to remain faithful and just to be rewarded of eternal life.
“Ngayong araw, ipinagdiriwang natin ang tagumpay ng dakilang pag-ibig ng ating Panginoon laban sa kamatayan at kasalanan. Tinatawag natin itong Pasko ng Pagkabuhay: Sa pagkamatay at muling pagbangon ni Kristo, natubos ang ating mga kasalanan, at nagbukas para sa atin ang pintuan ng langit,” said Aquino.
“Ipinapaalala nito na anuman ang sakripisyo at pasakit na ating pagdaanan, kung mananatiling matibay ang ating pananampalataya, at patuloy nating pipiliin ang tama, mapapasaatin ang buhay na walang hanggan.”
He likened these struggles to what the country had gone through and added that instead of giving in, Filipinos collectively decided to travel the right path that eventually ushered to a better economy and made the country “Asia’s Rising Tiger.”
The president highlighted the achievements of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority scholars, saying those who benefited from these programs now have a better chance at a brighter future.
He added that the credit upgrades given by different credit ratings agencies as well as the record high closings of the Philippine Stock Exchange will also give more opportunities to Filipinos who share in the government’s goal of improvement.
President Aquino then urged citizens to build a peaceful country that is rich in opportunity, free from corruption, and close to God.
The Philippines News Agency and the Official Gazette contributed to this report.
