Villar tells public to seize opportunities in 2010

MANILA, Philippines - Nacionalista Party presidential candidate Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. urged Filipinos yesterday to think of a better future by taking advantage of the opportunity for change in the coming year.

“Being an election year, 2010 will bring opportunities for change and reforms. I enjoin every Filipino to use that opportunity wisely and to the best of their abilities,” Villar sid in his New Year message.

Villar and his wife Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar greeted Filipinos best happy New Year.

“As we celebrate the New Year, we look with renewed hope to the year ahead and what it has in store for us. Let us continue to hope and strive for a better life and a better country. I join all of you in realizing all your cherished hopes and dreams – food on the table, jobs, shelter, education, good governance and, most of all, peace. May God bless you, your families and the entire Philippines,” Villar said.

Villar said Filipinos were confronted with numerous challenges in the past year, suffering significant economic and financial setbacks in 2009, like the rest of the world, wherein many workers lost their jobs and livelihood, a number of businesses suffered profit losses or even closed shop.

He stressed that the urgent need for a stronger and more stable economy has become more evident and crucial.

For many, 2009 will be remembered for the series of natural calamities and disasters that struck the nation – from super typhoons to landslides and volcanic eruptions.

Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, who lost his own mother and the country’s democracy icon, former President Corazon Aquino in August of last year, noted that the heroism in Filipinos prevailed over many problems that hit the country.

“I hope we keep this heroism for us to succeed in one of the toughest challenges we will face: achieving true reforms in the country. This coming year, we will have the chance to bring back the kind of democracy that gives importance to the welfare of the whole nation and not just of the few,” Aquino said.

Sen. Mar Roxas, who is the running mate of Aquino, said the whole country was anticipating the arrival of positive and meaningful change.

“Each New Year reminds us: there is a way out of darkness; the light of virtue and reason will guide our path; and the Lord remains true to his promise – that our faith, our resolve and our sacrifices will be rewarded,” Roxas said. – With Aurea Calica