[ad_1]
Manila, Philippines – Amid the coronavirus pandemic that has killed millions around the world, President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday called on Filipinos to show their “indomitable spirit” and help those in need.
“This year has been a difficult time for all of us. Many lives were lost and changed forever due to the COVID-19 pandemic and various natural calamities. But despite everything, we continue to survive and rise up thanks to our unity, strength and indomitable spirit of [the] Filipino, ”Duterte said in his recorded Christmas message broadcast by Malacañang.
Vice President Leni Robredo also urged the people to stand firm in the face of adversity.
“This Christmas is like no other,” said Robredo. “There are no Christmas parties or carols, no big dinners, and the celebrations are far from each other. But despite these changes, we draw strength from things that are true: the goodness of others and (the) all-encompassing love of our Lord.
A time of hope, sharing
Emphasizing that Christmas is a time of hope and sharing, Duterte said: “[L]And the story of the birth of Jesus Christ reminds us that we must always have hope, even in darkness, poverty and suffering. “
“Let us also allow Christ to enter our lives so that we can bring love and joy not only to our families and friends, but also to those most in need,” he said.
This year’s Christmas also comes amid the widespread devastation caused by four typhoons that hit the country and mounting challenges to civil liberties.
Robredo said the Filipinos showed great spirit and love of “bayanihan” as well as “solidarity with our healthcare workers and front-line leaders in donating and volunteering for response and relief operations, and in mere obedience to health protocols “.
Challenges, joys of the year
“We can do all of this because we love our people. We have learned to expand the scope of what we value, guided by the message of the birth of Christ: the message of solidarity, hope and love, ”he said.
He urged people to “strengthen our ties with family, friends and the community.”
“We are going to tell stories and remember the experiences that have united us: the challenges and joys that we have lived throughout the year.”
“While the pandemic may have changed our traditions, it should not diminish the value of this day, because no pandemic or calamity can match the love of God,” he said.
‘The light gets brighter’
Spokesman Lord Allan Velasco on Thursday expressed his condolences to the people who lost their loved ones and their jobs due to the pandemic and assured the public that “the light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter.”
“In Congress we are doing everything possible to help all of us find that light. … I assure our compatriots that we will do everything possible so that we all recover and experience the joy that we all had before this pandemic, ”Velasco said in his Christmas message.
The House of Representatives adjourned its session on December 16 and will resume its session on January 18, 2021. –REPORTS FROM JEROME ANING, KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING AND NESTOR CORRALES INQ
For more news on the new coronavirus, click here.
What you need to know about the coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.
The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare leaders and still accepts cash donations to be deposited into the Banco de Oro (BDO) checking account # 007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link .
Read next
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and more than 70 other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download from 4am and share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
For comments, complaints or inquiries, please contact us.
[ad_2]
