Duterte on Christmas 2020: Let us be hopeful for the better days ahead

It has been a challenging year for everyone, the pandemic have slained thousands of lives, storms ravaged homes, even the start of the Christmas week in the Philippines began on a bloody note – President Rodrigo Duterte reminded Filipinos to remain hopeful.

The president praised Filipinos in his recorded message aired today, Christmas eve, for the strength in character that throughout all the challenges, we continued to survive and rise because of our unity and indomitable spirit.

"This Christmas season, let the story of Jesus Christ's birth remind us that we should always have hope even in darkness, poverty, and suffering. Let us also allow Christ into our lives so that we could bring love and cheer not only to our families and friends but also to those who are most in need. May we all have a meaningful celebration and let us be hopeful for the better days ahead," he said.

Duterte also praised how Filipinos were able to conquer challenges brought by 2020 including the COVID-19 pandemic and natural calamities.

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo, in her own separate message, praised Filipinos for helping pandemic frontliners, volunteering to help typhoon victims, and following health protocols for COVID-19.

Robredo also urged the public to continue lending a hand to others and to forge stronger connections with respective families, friends, and the community.

"Dalangin ko ngayong Pasko na patuloy tayong magbukas-palad, at ilapit ang diwa ng panahong ito sa puso at tahanan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino. Humugot ng lakas mula sa isa't isa." she said.

Robredo added that despite the many changes in our traditions, we get our strength from certainties – that we can count on the goodness of our neighbors as we are one family facing and rising from any challenge, embraced by the infinite love of Christ.

Photo from CNN Philippines