EDITORIAL - Wishing for a better 2015

Today is the first day of a brand new year. And following the joyful holiday celebrations, we are back to our usual activities as we begin to face challenges for the next 12 months.

But because life has to go on, Cebuanos can only hope for a better 2015. Of course, the past year was tough for Cebuanos who bounced back from the wake of the twin disasters.

While reeling from the effects of a powerful earthquake and a super typhoon, Cebuanos showed their resilience. Slowly picking up the pieces, they recovered from the devastation and moved on.

Now, it is the hope of every Cebuano that Cebu will continue to prosper this year. This year is indeed crucial year for Cebu as it prepares to host two international events.

These two major activities - the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ministerial meeting to be held later this year and the Catholic Church's International Eucharistic Congress in January 2016 - will once again push Cebuanos into the global spotlight while at the same time, give it the opportunity to showcase Cebu as an ideal venue for international gatherings.

It was one hell of a ride last year considering the many challenges that faced the Cebuanos. One of these challenges was the problem besetting the recovery drive for the northern areas battered by super typhoon Yolanda. However, despite the financial limitations, the government and the private sector are doing everything to make the lives of the victims better.

Meanwhile, Cebu's economy was as vibrant as ever last year. Attracting more investments, it has remained a major driving force in the country's thrust for more economic growth.

As Cebuanos wish for more economic prosperity this year, there is also this opportunity for them to once again exercise a greater role in nation building. After all, Cebu has long been a vital contributor to national progress.