As his administration strives for a “Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines),” President Marcos on Saturday, Jan. 6, underscored the involvement of Filipinos in becoming “Bagong Pilipino (New Filipino)” themselves for the nation’s change and development.
 

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)

In his BBM Vlog 252, the Chief Executive shared that he, too, has personal New Year’s resolutions but that his aspirations for the country come first.

“Pero siyempre, nangingibabaw sa ating New Year’s resolution ang mga mithiin natin sa bayan dahil marami pang kailangang gawin, marami pang kailangan pagandahin, at marami pang kailangan ayusin para naman tuluy-tuloy ang pagsulong natin tungo sa isang Bagong Pilipinas (But, of course, first in our New Year’s resolution is our goals for the country because we have a lot to do, a lot to improve, and a lot to fix for us to reach a Bagong Pilipinas),” he said in his video message, as he explained the concept of Bagong Pilipinas in relation to everyone’s New Year’s resolution.

Marcos pushed for individual and community involvement as a way for Filipinos to contribute to achieving the Bagong Pilipinas, stressing the need for the involvement of every Filipino, family, and even barangay to change.

“Lahat naman ay may magagawa, lahat naman ay may maiaambag, lahat ay kabilang (Everyone can do something, everyone can contribute, everyone is included),” he added.

And as the nation observes Community Development Day this weekend, Marcos said it is a reminder on the importance of improving and developing local communities.

“Sa mga susunod na linggo ay lalo niyo pang mauunawaan at mararamdaman ang ibig sabihin ng Bagong Pilipinas (In the coming week, you will understand and feel more what Bagong Pilipinas means),” Marcos said.

“Papaigtingin natin ang paghihikayat sa lahat na maging bahagi ng pagpapaganda ng ating barangay, siyudad, probinsiya, at ng buong bansa. Dahil walang Bagong Pilipinas kung walang Bagong Pilipino (We will strengthen our encouragement of all to be a part of beautifying our barangay, city, province, and the whole country. Because there is no Bagong Pilipinas if there is no Bagong Pilipino),” the President furthered.

He also urged everyone to be more disciplined and strive for self-improvement—observing punctuality, being more productive in their work, and prudent on their spending—as a way to help the Philippines’ progress.

The President himself shared that some of his New Year’s resolutions include spending more time with his family, watching his diet to maintain good health, and having regular exercise to lessen stress for stronger immunity.

“Ang mga pangako natin sa ating sarili patungkol sa disiplina o maging sa pagpahusay ng ating abilidad o ‘yung mga self-improvement na tinatawag, lahat ‘yan ay may maitutulong sa ating bayan. Sa sama-samang pagkilos na ito, may dalang kaginhawaan na ramdam sa buong bansa (Our promises to ourselves when it comes to discipline or improving our abilities or what we call self-improvement, all of those will help our country. By doing our parts, it will bring comfort to the whole country).”

Marcos also encouraged Filipinos read more books, learn new technologies, observe personal grooming and self-discipline, and become a good citizen and family member.

Noting how “road rage” leads nowhere, the President advised Filipino motorists to be cool-headed when driving.

“Huwag na tayong madala sa galit. Naintidihin ko rin ‘yan at nagda-drive din ako at talagang minsan iinit ang ulo mo. Pero huwag na tayong magpapadala diyan (Let’s not be carried away by anger. I also understand that because I drive and sometimes, you will lose your cool. But let’s not get carried away by that).”