Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined the nation in welcoming the New Year, encouraging Filipinos to reflect on the lessons of the past and use the wisdom gained to improve themselves as they face the year ahead.
“It is our desire for our citizens to embrace this outlook and adopt an introspective and growth-focused mindset that balances the realities of yesterday and the promises of tomorrow,” Marcos said in his New Year’s message.
The President acknowledged that the past year had been difficult, with various calamities disrupting lives and communities across the country. Despite the challenges, he highlighted the resilience Filipinos have shown in overcoming adversity.
“Reflecting on the resilience we have shown in overcoming them, it is crucial for our progress to esteem such moments as hallmarks of the extraordinary strength we gain through solidarity and perseverance,” he said.
As the country looks forward to 2025, Marcos called for renewed hope and optimism, emphasizing that the experiences of the past year will serve as a guide in building a better future.
“As we move forward into 2025, we look ahead with renewed hope and optimism knowing that our experiences will guide us into building a future filled with promise and purpose,” Marcos added.
The President also urged Filipinos to draw inspiration from the acts of courage, compassion, and “bayanihan” (communal unity) that have been demonstrated over the past months, highlighting these values as essential to national recovery and progress.
“Only then can we fortify the bonds that connect us, truly rebuild what has been lost, and realize a Bagong Pilipinas where dreams flourish and every Filipino thrives,” he said.
