Duterte wishes 'good fortune', 'renewed strength' for Filipinos in last Chinese New Year message as president
President Duterte eyes "good fortune" and "renewed strength" for resilient Filipinos this 2022, the year of the "Water Tiger".

Duterte had this to say in his message to the country on the occasion of Chinese New Year on Tuesday, Feb. 1.
"This year of the Water Tiger is hoped to bring us good fortune and renewed strength as we recover from the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic and other challenges that have tested our mettle as a nation," he said.
It's been two years since the effects of the COVID-19 scourge was first felt by Filipinos and changed their way of life. A handful of natural disasters have also struck the islands in the interim, the latest of which was typhoon "Odette's" pummeling of provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao last December.
"Through our courage, faith and determination, we have become more resilient and capable to build back better," Duterte noted.
He added that it's his "fervent prayer" that 2022 will be "a better year for all of us, in terms of wealth, health, relationships and progress".
Referring to Chinese New Year, he said, "As we look forward to the blessings of this auspicious occasion, let us continue to demonstrate the ideals of bayanihan (unity) and malasakit (solicitude or concern for others), especially to those who are most in need."
"Let us all look forward to more opportunities for growth and prosperity in the New Year and become instruments of peace, harmony and generosity to all," the President said in his last Chinese New Year message.
Duterte will step down from Malacañang on June 30, 2022. The upcoming May 9 elections will determine who will be his successor.