Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 1) — In his first New Year’s Day message as chief executive, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. asked Filipinos to “embody the true meaning of solidarity.”
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“I join the entire Filipino nation with hope and optimism in welcoming the New Year,” he began.
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“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,” Marcos said.
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“This is the essence of our call for unity and the impetus for our continued invitation to work together for the realization of our shared aspirations as people,” he also said.
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During Marcos’ presidential campaign in the 2022 National Elections, “unity” was his team’s battlecry.
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“It is in this understanding that we need, now more than ever, to embody the true meaning of solidarity,” Marcos said. “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.”
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The President said that, if united, Filipinos could overcome all challenges and “bring our nation to greater heights.”
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“Together, let us move full-steam ahead towards our goal of giving a better life to every Filipino family,” Marcossaid. “I am confident that, by coming together, we can withstand and overcome all challenges and bring our nation to greater heights.”
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He concluded: “As we look forward to a fruitful and hopeful New Year, let us remain steadfast and united as ever as we ask for the Almighty’s continued guidance in our journey toward a better, brighter, and more prosperous future for our nation.”
Meanwhile, for her first address as the nation’s second-in-command, Vice President Sara Duterte urged Filipinos to make resolve, bayanihan (cooperative endeavor), and resilience serve as guideposts for the new year.
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“May we continue to carry the unyielding Filipino spirit that enables us to bounce back from challenging times and forge a path toward our common hopes of a stronger and more progressive future,” Duterte said.
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“Let us unwaveringly embody our collective resolve and fortitude to begin anew amid the difficulties this past year may have brought our social, economic, and civic pursuits,” added Duterte.
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She noted specific sectors which she hoped would see improved welfare and success in 2023.
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“May our sense of nationhood, enduring spirit of Bayanihan, and unshakeable resiliency remain our guideposts as we continue upholding reforms, policies, and programs for the improved welfare of our people in the education sector, uniformed services, civilian personnel, frontline duty, and in the most vulnerable communities,” she said.
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“I am hopeful that our tireless nation-building efforts will redound to the success of our undertakings in governance, the business arena, the agricultural sector, and in other viable industries so that we can conduct our development efforts with utmost regard to the greater good of the entire nation,” she added.
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