President Marcos extended his heartfelt greetings to Filipinos at home and abroad as the nation welcomed the New Year.

He emphasized the importance of resilience and solidarity in overcoming challenges, particularly the calamities that disrupted lives and communities in the past year.

“Reflecting on the resilience we have shown in overcoming [these challenges], it is crucial for our progress to esteem such moments as hallmarks of the extraordinary strength we gain through solidarity and perseverance,” the President said.

Mr. Marcos called on Filipinos to draw inspiration from the countless acts of courage, compassion, and bayanihan—the Filipino tradition of communal unity and effort—that emerged during times of adversity.

He urged the nation to channel this spirit into building a “Bagong Pilipinas”, where opportunities abound and every Filipino can thrive.

“As we move forward into 2025, we look ahead with renewed hope and optimism knowing that our experiences will guide us into building a future filled with promise and purpose,” the chief executive said. The president’s message underscored the significance of introspection and growth, encouraging citizens to balance past realities with tomorrow’s promises.

VP Sara vows to face challenges of 2025

Vice President Sara Duterte sought to reflect on the challenges of 2024, emphasizing resilience and unity as key takeaways from the past year.

She vowed to face the upcoming challenges of 2025 with unwavering determination.

“The year 2024 tested our resilience and molded us as a nation that stands for justice and development,” she said in Filipino.

“In 2025, let us together face the various challenges that would solidify us as a country that has faith in god and collaborates for the good of our families,” she added.

Duterte also expressed heartfelt gratitude to Filipinos for their unwavering love and support for the country, urging everyone to continue their pursuit of excellence and service for a brighter future. “As we welcome the New Year, I thank you for your tireless love for our country that you have demonstrated through, perseverance and patience for a better tomorrow,” the Vice President said.

Chiz: PH needs leaders who will tackle poverty

Senate President Francis Escudero emphasized the need for hope and unity, as well as the importance of wise leadership in the year ahead.

Escudero acknowledged the challenges faced by Filipinos throughout 2024 but urged the nation to reflect on the year with gratitude and optimism.

The Senate President reminded Filipinos to carry the spirit of hope and solidarity into the New Year, expressing confidence in the nation’s collective strength.

“Although 2024 presented many challenges for Filipinos, we should reflect on this year with gratitude and optimism, knowing that brighter days lie ahead,” Escudero said.

“Looking ahead to 2025, let us carry this spirit of hope and solidarity into the new year. We can easily overcome any challenge as long as we are united and work together,” he stressed in a mixture of English and Filipino.

Escudero also urged the Filipinos to exercise their right to vote and choose wisely the politicians that they want to elect.

He emphasized that the country needs leaders who will help Filipinos rise out of poverty. “Addressing the pressing issue of poverty requires leaders who prioritize poverty alleviation and social reforms. By choosing leaders who champion equity and prosperity for all, we can build a brighter future for our nation,” Escudero concluded.

Speaker: Let us build stronger future for PH

House Speaker Martin Romualdez called on the nation to usher in 2025 with a message of hope, unity and determination, encouraging them to embrace the New Year as an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient Philippines.

“As we welcome the New Year, I would like to extend my heartfelt wishes for a peaceful, prosperous and hopeful 2025 to every Filipino family,” he said in Filipino.

Romualdez described the New Year as a fresh start and a chance for collective action to create a brighter future for the nation under President Marcos.

“The New Year is a symbol of a new beginning – an opportunity to work together again and build a stronger future for our people,” pointed out.

The Speaker noted that while 2024 was marked by significant achievements in various aspects of national life, it also came with major challenges, particularly the devastating series of typhoons, floods and other calamities.

“The year 2024 has created many indelible memories. We had many successes, but this has also been a year of great challenges – a series of typhoons, floods and other calamities have brought hardship and trials to our countrymen,” the Speaker said.

Despite these challenges, the House chief highlighted the resilience of Filipinos, who exhibited unity and the spirit of Bayanihan in overcoming hardships. “As we step into 2025, let us carry with us the lessons of the past year. Let us remain united in our resolve to rise above challenges, to rebuild what has been lost and to ensure that no Filipino is left behind,” Romualdez said.