House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III says the traditional Traslacion during the Feast of the Black Nazarene is a testament to Filipinos' resilience in the face of hardship.

In a statement Friday, Jan. 9, Dy noted how the Traslacion or procession of the Black Nazarene was a reminder of the crosses that many Filipinos carry every day.

"Magkakaiba man ang mga pagsubok, iisa ang pinanghahawakang lakas upang magpatuloy (Although the trials may differ, there is only one source of strength that sustains them)," the Isabela 6th district representative said.

"Sa pagtitipon ng milyun-milyong deboto, malinaw kung gaano katatag ang mga Pilipino. Kapag may problema, kumakapit. Kapag napagod, humihinto sandali at nagpapatuloy. Kapag nadapa, bumabangon," reckoned the House leader.

(In the gathering of millions of devotees, it is clear how resilient Filipinos are. When faced with problems, they hold on. When tired, they pause for a moment and continue. When they stumble, they rise again.)

"Ang Itim na Nazareno ay hindi nangangakong mawawala ang hirap. Sa halip, ipinapaalala Niya na may lakas upang bumangon at may Diyos na kasama sa bawat hakbang (The Black Nazarene does not promise that hardship will disappear. Instead, He reminds us that there is strength to rise again and that God is with us at every step)," Dy said.

He noted that for public servants like him, the Traslacion teaches a clear lesson.

"Ang pamahalaan ay may tungkuling makinig, umunawa, at kumilos lalo na para sa mga higit na nangangailangan. Nawa’y magsilbing paalala ang Traslacion na sa gitna ng hirap, hindi nag-iisa ang sambayanan at may pag-asa hangga’t nagkakaisa," the Speaker said.

(The government has the duty to listen, to understand, and to act,especially for those most in need. May the Traslacion serve as a reminder that amid the hardship, the nation is never alone, and there is hope as long as we are united.)