NIGHT OWL Anna Mae Lamentillo It’s a new day for our nation. President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. has been sworn in as the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines. We welcome a new government that has given us hope for a renewed country—renewed in the sense that we shall overcome the crippling effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and other global events that have been affecting our nation. “Bagong Pilipinas. Bagong Mukha.” This has been the chant of UniTeam supporters during the campaign season, and this could also best describe what we can expect from the new administration. It is already an advantage that we have a tandem President and vice president. The synergy between the two highest officials of the land will ensure a more productive government. I believe we will see a new face of politics—one that does not dwell on past mistakes, who would not go finger-pointing. We see this in the way our President has chosen the members of his Cabinet. He looks beyond political colors, considering instead the person’s competence, experience, and ability to help him lift our nation up. We will see a new kind of governance that will not put to waste the previous administration’s achievements. President Marcos said that the present momentum and gains as a result of the efforts of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration must be unimpeded. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. He believes that it is important to adopt more creative and innovative ways to further stimulate infrastructure development and create jobs. As to the “Build, Build, Build”, his follow through will be “Build Better More,” which will include digital infrastructure. The President has also made known his administration’s priorities. With the most powerful official of the land at the helm of the agriculture department, even just temporarily, and the second highest national official, Vice President Sara Duterte, leading the Education Department, we can already be sure that the most basic needs and rights of Filipinos will be prioritized. The Filipino people have high hopes that the new government can reduce poverty and propel the nation towards faster growth. But we all should realize that the road ahead is not easy. In fact, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have already warned of multiple, looming food crises driven by a multitude of factors, including the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic, climate shocks, and the ripple effects of the war in Ukraine. Our government is faced with multiple challenges and while its resolve to address these are primarily dependent on its policies and programs, the support of the citizens is of great importance too. A majority of Filipinos voted for our new leaders. Such overwhelming vote should also translate to support for the programs of the government. It is in our best interest to support our President as he rolls up his sleeves and carries out his plans for our nation. Today is a new day. It carries with it our aspirations for a better future. And six years from now, we hope that our nation would be in a much better state because its leaders and citizens set aside politics to work for the common good.