Duterte prays for a ‘better’ 2022 for Filipinos

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte prayed for a “better” 2022 for Filipinos, as the nation celebrated the Lunar New Year yesterday.

In his message, the President said he hopes the year of the Water Tiger would bring Filipinos good fortune and renewed strength, as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and “other challenges that have tested our mettle as a nation.”

“Through our courage, faith and determination, we have become more resilient and capable (of building) back better,” he said.

“It is my fervent prayer that 2022 will be a better year for all of us, in terms of wealth, health, relationships and progress,” Duterte said.

He also urged Filipinos to continue to demonstrate the ideals of bayanihan (volunteerism) and malasakit (compassion), especially to those who are most in need.

“Let us all look forward to more opportunities for growth and prosperity in the New Year and become instruments of peace, harmony and generosity to all,” Duterte said.

The President, through Proclamation 1236, has declared Feb. 1, 2022 as a special non-working day to commemorate Chinese New Year.

Chinese New Year is “one of the most revered and festive events celebrated, not only in China but also in the Philippines,” the proclamation read.

Vice President Leni Robredo yesterday joined the Filipino-Chinese community in celebrating the Lunar New Year.

Robredo said the message of the new year remains the same even if the celebration is different due to the continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite all the challenges, there is always hope, we can always start again. Whatever obstacle we face, we can overcome this not individually, not amid hostility, but by working together and being there for each other,” she said in Filipino.

“Thank you for the trust, support and solidarity with our dreams for our country. I wish you all a happy, peaceful, and prosperous year ahead,” the Vice President said.

The local government of Manila prohibited the holding of public events celebrating Chinese New Year to prevent the spread of COVID-19. – Alexis Romero, Janvic Mateo