The Department of National Defense (DND) is optimistic that the nation will be more resilient to the challenges it would face in 2025 as it waved goodbye to 2024 that was marked by different “challenges”.

In a message released on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said the defense department stands with the Filipino people in celebrating the New Year while reflecting on the journey of the passing year and looking ahead “with hope and resolve to 2025.”

“With grateful anticipation, we look forward to 2025 and the promising future of the Philippines – a secure, climate-resilient, archipelagic nation poised to be a strategic global player, and a stable platform for true national development and progress,” he said.

But Teodoro acknowledged that 2024 was not an easy one not only for the DND but for the entire country.

He said it would be an “understatement” to say that the country has endured its share of challenges in 2024.

“In 2024, the Philippines faced and overcame both literal and figurative storms, from natural disasters to challenges to our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Teodoro said.

The nation was nearly overwhelmed by destructive typhoons, most notable of which was when six successive storms struck in one month: typhoons “Kristine”, “Leon”, “Marce”, “Nika” “Ofel” and “Pepito” which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) from Oct. 22 to Nov. 14.

The situation in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) also remained tense due to the aggression of China.

Despite this, the country stood united and surpassed the trials while also achieving “significant victories,” Teodoro said.

“Our resilience in rising above these trials was made possible by the dedication of our men and women in uniform, civil defense officers, first responders, strong defense partnerships, government support, and the unwavering solidarity and resilience of the Filipino people,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator, Usec. Ariel Nepomuceno underscored the importance of “bayanihan spirit” among the Filipino people which shone during times of calamity.

“As we enter 2025, I reflect on the resilience and bayanihan spirit that define our nation. The challenges we face from natural hazards are significant, but our strength lies in our unity and commitment to one another,” the civil defense chief said.

“Resilience means not just enduring hardships but rising stronger together. Let’s inspire each other through acts of kindness and collaboration, weaving a fabric of support that strengthens us all,” Nepomuceno stressed.

Nepomuceno vowed to enhance the response systems of the OCD through strategic risk communication, robust early warning systems, impact-based forecasting, and anticipatory actions to help shape the country to be more resilient.