MANILA, Philippines - Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. wished the nation peace and happiness yesterday as he called on Filipinos to maintain their resolve to make their lives prosperous this year.
In his New Year’s message, Belmonte said the celebration ushering in 2015 “gives us the chance, as a nation, to reflect on our experiences in the previous year, renew our commitment to serve our people and our country, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.”
“We look forward to the year ahead, filled with gratitude for those who have unselfishly helped us in the past, with confidence in our ability to surmount the difficulties that lie ahead and with undeterred resolve to make this coming year better and more prosperous for us all,” Belmonte said.
He urged Filipinos to be thankful for the blessings of the past year and urged “everyone to build on what we have done and continue working harder for us to achieve more triumphs and milestones in the coming year.”
“I trust that we will face the year ahead with a positive outlook and renewed faith that we can once more overcome the challenges that will come our way as we pursue our common aspiration of a prosperous and unified Philippines,” he said.
The Speaker earlier prayed that the nation would continue to be progressive and peaceful despite adversities.
“We whom you have entrusted with leadership likewise pray to become not only more effective, but more responsive to the needs and dreams of our people,” he said.
Isabela Rep. Rodolfo Albano, a senior opposition lawmaker, said he joined Filipinos in welcoming 2015 with high hopes and optimism.
“We also hope that the 2015 will be a much more productive year for Congress, especially the House of Representatives where several meaningful and significant measures that truly benefit the Filipino people need to be fast-tracked,” Albano said.
“We join the nation in praying for less natural and man-made calamities as the government shifts to high gear in completing the rehabilitation of areas devastated by typhoons and earthquakes,” he said.
“Finally, may the national and local governments and non-government organizations work in harmony and focus on ending the long wait of calamity victims for a new lease on life,” he added.