Vice President Sara Duterte (OVP Photo)
Vice President Sara Duterte has encouraged Filipinos to welcome 2026 by setting aside all doubts and fears as the new year is "an invitation to unite and begin anew."
"Sa pagsalubong natin sa 2026, iwaksi na natin ang anumang pag-aalinlangan at takot (As we welcome 2026, let us cast aside any doubt and fear)," Duterte said in her video message on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
The Vice President said 2026 serves as a new chapter that is full of hope. Thus, she further urged the people to let courage and determination ignite.
"Ngayon ang simula ng isang panibagong kabanata, isang malinis na pahina na punung-puno ng pag-asa. Hayaan nating mag-alab muli ang ating tapang at determinasyon (Today marks the beginning of a new chapter, a clean page filled with hope. Let us allow our courage and determination to ignite once again)," Duterte said.
She expressed hope that Filipinos will be able to carry within them an extraordinary strength to overcome every challenge they may face.
"Sa bawat pagsubok, lalabas tayong mas matatag (In every trial, we will emerge stronger)," Duterte said.
"Itinuring natin ang bagong taon na paanyaya upang magkaisa at magsimula nang may panibagong pananaw (Let us regard the new year as an invitation to unite and to begin anew with a fresh perspective)," she added.
Duterte also reminded the citizenry that collective strength and faith are the keys to genuine change.
"Sama-sama tayong magsikap at magdasal na ang 2026 ay maging taon ng pag-asa at pagpapala (Together, let us strive and pray that 2026 will be a year of hope and blessings)," she said.
She also conveyed her hope that the new year would be brighter and more prosperous.