President Duterte expressed his wish for all Filipinos to remain hopeful and courageous as the country continues to recover from the effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Such was the President's taped Christmas message to his countrymen on Friday, Dec. 24. Duterte said he hoped that Filipinos can spread the spirit of Christmas with others.
"I wish all the Filipino Christians around the world a blessed and meaningful Christmas," he said.
"We have been blessed much by the birth of Christ. Let us share this blessing with others," he added.
President Duterte hoped that the holiday season--the second under the pandemic--would likewise inspire Filipinos to reach both their personal dreams and dreams for the country despite the ongoing health crisis.
"May the light that this season brings fill us with hope and courage as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.
"I hope and pray the Yuletide celebration will inspire us to realize our dreams and aspirations for our beloved country, the Philippines," he added.
Incidentally, the Philippines is enjoying year-long lows in terms of new daily COVID-19 cases, thus allowing for heightened economic activity in the fourth quarter of the year.
Duterte made no reference to the pre-Christmas disaster that was typhoon "Odette" in his video message, but did so in an omnibus message sent to Palace reporters Friday night.
"As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ with fervent prayer, let us also welcome this occasion with stronger faith and hope, especially as our nation continues to recover from the effects of typhoon Odette and the COVID-19 pandemic," he said in his omnibus message.
Duterte hoped that Filipinos will unite in spreading love, compassion, and happiness to their families and friends, but most especially to the people who need it.
"There is a time and season for everything, and Christmas is a time for peace. Let us continue to help each other to heal and rebuild our lives," he said.
"This will lead us to open our hearts and our homes, especially for those who are most in need so that they, too, may have joy and hope while we all work together towards better days ahead," he added.
President Duterte has spent the past few days visiting and extending assistance to the people in the areas devastated by typhoon "Odette".
On Thursday, Dec 23, Duterte promised to continue visiting the provinces affected by the typhoon.
"Kung habulin ang tulong, maski na ngayong Pasko magtatrabaho pa rin ako, at marami akong pupuntahan yung mga lugar na gutom yung tao, may sakit na at hindi nakakakain... Kailangang magpuntahan 'yan (If we’re going to expedite the assistance, then I’ll still work this Christmas, there are many places where there are hungry and sick people that I must go to)," he said.