President Duterte is hopeful that the Philippines "will see brighter days" in the year 2021 as he counted on the Filipinos' unyielding character amid the persisting COVID-19 pandemic.
"Today is a joyful day, a time for new beginnings and a time to be hopeful.
We ended the previous year with so much difficulties and trials, but with much gratitude. It was because we endured everything-sustained by our distinct resilience as a people," Duterte said in his New Year's Day message.
Duterte also said: "The COVID-19 pandemic may have cost us so many lives and material resources, but we also learned so much from it. We realized the value of
human life and our relationships with each other. We understood what it means to be a family, a community, a nation. We learned to share and to look after the welfare of our brethren."
"Now, we march on to a new year wiser, stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead," he added.
Duterte said that for him and other people in government, the new year is "another chance to serve our people" and "another opportunity to render public service with genuine compassion and malasakit (concern)."
"I am confident that all of us will see brighter days ahead because we believe in the indomitable spirit of the Filipino," he said.
"This New Year 2021, let us be mindful of all the blessings we have received and on how fortunate we are. Let our grateful hearts guide and inspire us to always do good and make a difference in the world…Isang masagana at mapagpalang Bagong Taon sa ating lahat (A prosperous and blessed New Year to all)!" the President said.
The Philippine government has been negotiating with pharmaceutical companies, allied nations and the private sector for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines which authorities hope will put an end to the health and economic crisis that has been battering the country.
President Spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday that the government's COVID-19 vaccination program is expected to roll out in the first quarter of 2021.
Earlier, Duterte disclosed that several people in government, including soldiers, have already been inoculated against the novel coronavirus.