I send my warmest wishes to everyone here and abroad as we celebrate the beginning of the new year.

The new year is always a time of great hope. As we celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of a new one, we look back at the past year with renewed optimism that brighter days are ahead of us.

This is a time to reflect on our blessings, and our shortcomings and a time to look forward and plan for our future.

While the past two years have been difficult for many Filipinos, the indomitable Filipino spirit has been blessed with a unique form of hope and strength capable of rising above the greatest of challenges.

We witness this spirit of hope manifested every day through the blood, sweat, toil, and tears of OFWs, medical frontliners, teachers, farmers, and every hardworking Filipino, dreaming and persevering, for a better tomorrow.

It is this spirit of hope that has kept our Filipino nation alive for generations. And it is that spirit that will keep it alive for generations to come.

The Philippines has shown itself as a country of brave and resilient people. And with your support we continue, every day, to uplift the lives of every Filipino.

As we enter the new year I am optimistic that through our shared aspirations and mutual cooperation we will be a stronger and better nation in the years to come.

From my family to yours we wish you peace, joy, and good health in the year ahead.

Happy New year and may God bless you and your family. Lengthy