SB to Filipinos: Face 2016 with courage, determination

MANILA, Philippines - Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. urged Filipinos yesterday to face 2016 with hope, courage and determination.

The celebration of a new year “is always one of hope: a season of renewal as we look back at the end of 2015 and look forward to the beginning of 2016,” he said  in his New Year message.

“We are hopeful as we gather with family and friends to welcome the New Year with wishes of good health, prosperity and peace of mind. 

“We stay hopeful that the New Year brings the promise of a new day.” 

Despite the challenges of 2015, Filipinos remain hopeful because they rose above and surpassed the difficulties with renewed strength and restored faith as a nation, Belmonte said.

“Our shared dreams of opportunities for our fellowmen, security of our children, growth for our communities and peace for our country will see light in the brighter days ahead,” he said.

“We will face the coming year with the same courage and determination from generations before us, so we may carry on in the pursuit of the Filipino dream.” 

Filipinos were also told yesterday to look with hope to the New Year when they will choose their new set of national and local leaders.

A lot is in store for the nation in 2016, according to Bishop Efraim Tendero, World Evangelical Alliance secretary general.

“Individually, we will ever be at the crossroad of choices; new opportunities and new challenges will await us at life’s every turn,” he said. “As a people and nation, we will have to either reap the blessing or bear the brunt of the decision we would make come national elections time. 

“While the unknown future is wrapped in a cloud of uncertainty, we may rest our hearts in the assurance that the Lord knows our future,” Tendero said in a statement titled “Hope for the New Year.”

“He has for us plans for welfare and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope. And His promises are trustworthy and true.”

While they would experience a “precarious time,” the Filipino people should not lose hope, Tendero said.?“Fresh from the celebration of the Christmas season, we know that Christ Emmanuel has come from heaven to earth to dwell among us. He will never leave us nor forsake us,” he said.

“The New Year is a brand new beginning for all of us. It promises us a new lease on life. Like the turning of the page, a fresh start is given to us for our taking.  Yet, lest we forget, let us always remember that we can only do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”

Sen. Nancy Binay is also looking forward to a better year under a new administration.

“We look forward to a brighter and better 2016 – for a new beginning will build a progressive and compassionate Philippines: a nation of peace, prosperity and dignity. May 2016 usher in a new and kind-hearted government that will lead our country to new heights,” she said.

In her New Year’s message, Binay sees 2016 as an opportunity for a “new beginning.”

“It is with happiness that we welcome the start of a New Year, of a new beginning in our lives,” she said. – With Evelyn Macairan, Christina Mendez