President Rodrigo Duterte wished Filipinos good fortune and called on them to look forward to growth and prosperity as the multi-ethnic country of 110 million celebrated the Chinese New Year on Tuesday.
“This year of the Water Tiger is hoped to bring us good fortune and renewed strength as we recover 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,” Duterte said in a statement.
“It is my fervent prayer that 2022 will be a better year for all of us, in terms of wealth, health, relationships and progress. Let us continue to demonstrate the ideals of bayanihan and malasakit, (compassion) especially to those who are most in need,” Duterte added.
The president also encouraged Filipinos to “become instruments of peace, harmony and generosity.”
“As we look forward to the blessings of this auspicious occasion, let us continue to demonstrate the ideals of bayanihan and malasakit, especially to those who are most in need,” he added.
Duterte declared Feb. 1, 2022 as a special non-working holiday to mark Chinese New Year.
In her CNY message, Vice President Leni Robredo said there is still hope for the Filipino people to recover and start again amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Filipinos can win over all the trials if they unite and help one another, Robredo said.
“Despite the celebration being different because of the continued threat of the virus, the message of the Chinese New Year has not changed: despite any challenge, there is always hope. We can always start over again. We can hurdle the trials through unity,” she said.