Vice President Leni Robredo urged Filipinos to open themselves to others and let them feel that they are not alone amid the challenging events that came before Christmas in the country, saying that "hope is found in togetherness."

In her Christmas message on Friday, Dec. 24, Robredo said that while the past year has not been easy and many are just attempting to start over after the hardship caused by the pandemic and typhoon Odette, she hopes that Filipinos still resonate the message of Christmas that in times of trial, no one is alone.

"Despite these challenges, we wrap our presents, however small. We set the table even if get-togethers are humbler. We hang lanterns and lights so that those around us feel the message Christmas brings: That hope is found in togetherness, in opening oneself to one’s fellow human beings, in letting them feel that they are not alone, that we always have someone beside us, whether in times of trial or along the path towards our dreams," Robredo said.

This, Robredo added, is the lesson that Christ brings, saying "He was born in a manger and walked in the slippers of the common man. He was one with the entire depth of our experience. He took on human form to let us feel His divine love for humankind."

The vice president also said that there will be those among us who will celebrate Christmas without the presence of their loved ones.

"So this Christmas, as a nation coming together, let us fervently give thanks for any blessings we receive," she said.

"Let us hug those we love more tightly, in the same way we hold on tightly to hope: Hope we bring to our fellow human beings every time we show our love for them, and the hope they bring us every time we accept their love," she added.

The aspiring president also urged Filipinos to "recognize how we are bound by the single color of our dreams; the single color of love, which is the color of Christmas."