House Speaker Martin Romualdez offered a positive perspective on Thursday, Dec. 24 to Filipinos' Christmas celebration this 2022, saying it will be one enjoyed "with a little more degree of freedom and openness".
"With my wife Yedda and my family, I offer to all our best wishes as we celebrate the Christmas holidays with our loved ones," Romualdez said in his Christmas message.
"In our festivities, let us remember the real reason for our celebration: the birth of our Savior, born in a humble manger over 2,000 years ago, who brought love and hope into the world with His simple message of peace on Earth and goodwill to all mankind," said the Leyte 1st district congressman.
Always the hopeful one, Romualdez further old his countrymen: "Let us also give thanks that after three years of having to deal with the restrictions arising from the pandemic, we can now celebrate and experience the joy of the Yuletide season with a little more degree of freedom and openness."
The deadly Covid-19 first emerged in the country in January 2020, triggering a series of lengthy lockdowns.
Over a year later, in March 2021, the government rolled out its mass inoculation program against Covid-19 in a bid to bring back a semblance of normalcy to everyday life.
While restrictions have since eased, there's been a virtual game of catchup in the economic front. Many businesses are still trying to recover from the ravages of the pandemic, while some had no choice but to close shop.
"I pray that we all share the blessing we receive this Christmas and offer a generous hand to those who need our help. Let us help brighten the lives of those whose Christmas may not be as glowing and as cheerful as ours," said the Speaker, who sits as president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party.
"May we all find joy in our hearts this season, and may peace and prosperity finally reign in our land. Merry Christmas, my friends, and happy holidays!" he added.