I have been known among friends and colleagues as a “glass half full” kind of person, I tend to search for possibility even in the darkest headlines and hardest days. This attitude, which I developed early on in life, does not deny the weight of loss, fear, or frustration; it simply insists that within every crisis, there are seeds of renewal waiting to be nurtured. With that hopeful lens, the story of the Philippines in 2025 becomes not just a record of storms and struggles, but a testament to how much light still breaks through the clouds.

Even with this positive outlook in life, I cannot deny that 2025 weighed heavily on our nation—a year scarred by relentless storms, trembling ground, political discord, and the unease of uncertain times. Yet beneath the headlines of hardship, countless acts of courage, solidarity, and quiet perseverance point toward a future that can be brighter than the storms that tested the nation.

On Sept. 30, our kababayans in Cebu were jolted by a powerful earthquake that, according to government data, claimed 79 lives, injured over 500 people, and damaged more than 134,000 homes. The disaster also caused an estimated ₱6.76 billion in infrastructure losses. As families struggled to rebuild, Typhoon Tino, internationally known as Kalmaegi, struck the Visayas—including Cebu, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Palawan—making landfall eight times between Nov. 4 and 5 and affecting more than 2.4 million people. Less than a week later, Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-Wong) hit Aurora, impacting 16 of the country’s 18 regions, affecting 7.6 million people, and displacing more than 303,000 residents.

But in every disaster, something deeper surfaced: neighbors turning into first responders, socio-civic groups organizing donation drives, health workers pushing through flooded roads, and teachers finding ways to keep lessons going even when classrooms were damaged. These moments showed that while the winds may tear at roofs, while flood waters may submerge communities, they cannot tear apart the strong fabric of Filipino resilience and solidarity.

The year 2025 also saw divisions in our politics grow deeper, fueled by relentless partisanship, corruption scandals, and the erosion of public trust. Amid growing discontent, the country strained under the pull of divided allegiances and weary ideals, as people longed for accountability and transparency and a renewed sense of purpose.

Yet within this political turbulence lies a call to renewal. Healing begins when Filipinos choose truth over convenience, accountability over complacency, and compassion over anger. By demanding honesty from our leaders and from ourselves, by supporting transparent governance, we can begin to rebuild a shared vision of democracy and prosperity. The path to reconciliation is not found in erasing differences, but in transforming them into sources of strength—proof that a nation, when guided by conscience and courage, can rise above corruption and division to reclaim its moral center.

Young Filipinos, in particular, showed a growing desire to participate—whether by voting, mobilizing, or simply refusing to be indifferent. When my daughter Camille ran for the Senate during the midterm elections she focused her campaign on reaching out to young people whose thirst for better governance and a brighter future is a powerful force that can hopefully change not only the vindictive nature of our politics but make our democracy work for everyone.

The year 2025 also tested the resilience of every Filipino household. Growth slowed, prices bit deeper into daily life, and uncertainty—both local and global—hovered like a cloud over jobs and livelihoods. Many families learned to make do with less, rebuilding homes and hopes in the wake of natural disasters and political tempests. Yet even in hardship, our people’s courage never wavered. I have known this in my more than two decades of public service: our country draws strength from its people—young, creative, and unafraid to start again. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) continued to lift their families and the economy; small businesses found new ways to adapt and thrive; communities refused to give in. The recovery may be quiet and uneven, but it beats with the steady pulse of “sipag at tiyaga,” and the enduring spirit that has always carried our country forward.

Forgive me, then, if I choose hope over despair. It is not blind optimism, but the light drawn from lived experience. Every day, Filipino families rise to meet adversity with faith and resolve, believing that through persistence, hard work, and the mercy of God, tomorrow can still be brighter for our children.

As another year turns, I find myself thinking of every Filipino home—of families gathered around modest tables, sharing laughter, stories, and the quiet comfort of simply being together. 2025 was not gentle with us; it shook our patience and tested our faith. Yet in surviving it, we rediscovered what sustains us: love that endures, faith that steadies, and strength that never tires. Perhaps this year was not a disaster after all, but a turning point—a time when our nation looked honestly at its storms—natural, political, and economic—and still chose to believe that tomorrow can be better than today.

Manigong Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat!

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