After a year rife with calamities and consequent challenges, the President invited his constituents to reflect on and recognize the times they had proved their strength, and to take inspiration from the courage, compassion, and “bayanihan” witnessed through trials.

“This occasion (New Year’s Day) is widely heralded as an opportunity to learn from the lessons of the past and apply the wisdom gained to better oneself,” President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said in a New Year’s Day message. “It is our desire for our citizens to embrace this outlook and adopt an introspective and growth-focused mindset that balances the realities of yesterday and the promises of tomorrow.”

Marcos recounted that the country had suffered many calamities, but called for an appreciation of his countrymen’s resilience.

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