President Duterte is set to welcome the year 2022 in his hometown Davao City, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said.
In his last press briefing of the year, the acting Palace spokesman said it has been the President's tradition to spend time with his loved ones on this day.
"As with every new year, the President will spend his new year's in Davao to be with his family and loved ones in Davao," he said on Friday, December 31.
As to the President's next public schedule, Nograles said they are still awaiting further announcements.
"Abangan na lang po natin ang (Let's just wait for the) next announcement when the President will go and visit and which areas sa mga tinamaan noong Typhoon Odette ang bibisitahin niya pagkatapos ng New Year (among those ravaged by Typhoon Odette will he visit after the New Year)," he said.
President Duterte has been visiting the areas in the Visayas and Mindanao hit by Typhoon Odette over the past two weeks.
New Year message
In his New Year message, the President encouraged Filipinos to cherish everything they have experienced as they welcome the year 2022, including the struggles and victories in overcoming the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and Typhoon Odette.
"Indeed, we have been through many challenging times but our distinct resilience and bayanihan (unity) spirit allowed us to prevail and come out stronger," he said.
"Every day, we continue to witness the indomitable spirit of the Filipino that adapts, endures, and triumphs over all adversities. The dedication and courage of our people—especially of our medical and essential frontliners, uniformed services, civilian personnel, and volunteers— demonstrate what great things we can achieve if we work in solidarity," he added.
Duterte likewise wished that Filipinos will be inspired by the promise of new beginnings that the New Year brings, especially as the country takes a whole-of-nation approach to recover from the pandemic and the recent typhoon.
"Now, we are given a fresh start and opportunity to aim higher and to do things better—in the spirit of genuine malasakit at pagbabago (concern and change)," he said.
"Let all our aspirations and actions be guided by our strong sense of nationhood and our deep faith in the Almighty. May we also find a stronger and higher purpose in our lives so that we may pursue only what is good for our families, communities, and the entire nation," he added.
Learnings
In his New Year message, Communications Secretary Martin Andanar hoped that Filipinos will continue learning from everything they have endured in order to be better, be more inclusive and responsive, and be there for their fellowmen in times of crises, despite all the difficult circumstances.
"In 2022, we will continue to face the challenges the new normal entails. Despite the fact that our fight as a nation against the contagion is far from over, let us remain collectively firm and unyielding in facing any uncertainty that the coming year may hold," he said.
"It is only when we collectively address these challenges that we are able to see the difference we can make together and how we can contribute to the recovery and growth of our country," he added.
As the Duterte administration nears its end, Andanar hoped that Filipinos will remain committed to helping each other.
"Let us do our part in the nation's recovery by complying with all health protocols and minimum health standards prescribed by the government, especially as we celebrate the New Year, for us to heal, recover, and rise as a nation even beyond this administration," he said.