Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte in separate messages called Filipinos to embrace courage, discipline and unity as the country welcomed the Year of the Fire Horse, marking the Lunar New Year as a time for renewal and collective action.
Marcos called on citizens to translate the Fire Horse symbolism into concrete progress.
“I invite all Filipinos to move with purposeful haste – swift when necessary; measured when it matters most,” he said.
The president said while Horse and Fire evoke boldness and energy, “the nation does not advance on symbolism alone” while highlighting the importance of prudent households, productive industries, and reliable public service in sustaining long-term growth.
He said Filipinos should “protect what is essential such as fair opportunity and reliable public services” while strengthening communities and value chains.
In a separate statement, Duterte encouraged Filipinos to face the year with courage, describing it as “a year of high energy and bold action – offering big rewards for those with the courage to take them.”
The vice president also called on the public to “ignite the spirit of bayanihan and charge forward into a new year of possibilities.”
