Marcos invites Filipinos to ‘move with purposeful haste’ for Lunar New Year

MANILA, Philippines — For the Lunar New Year, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. invited Filipinos to move with "purposeful haste," much like the Chinese zodiac for 2026—the Fire Horse.

In his presidential message on Tuesday, February 17, Marcos said that the Horse is a sign of movement and courage, while the fire element is the spark.

Marcos said that the Lunar New Year is a “season of renewal”, when people can set priorities and make plans.

“I invite all Filipinos to move with purposeful haste-swift when necessary; measured when it matters most. Momentum can be energizing, but direction is what truly delivers results,” Marcos said.

“Let us protect what is essential such as fair opportunity and reliable public services, while enhancing productivity, stronger value chains, and communities that never leave the vulnerable behind,” he added.

Marcos said that prosperity is built by the daily work every Filipino puts in, and is further multiplied when job opportunities expand.

Shortly before the holiday, Marcos visited Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown. The bustling district is undergoing public improvements to bolster economic growth in the area.

Marcos was even joined by Chinese envoy to the Philippines Jing Quan, who had been engaged in a bitter word war with several Philippine officials over the West Philippine Sea territorial row.

The Lunar New Year is a special non-working holiday in the Philippines. Feng Shui experts have called it a year of momentum.

Duterte marks Lunar New Year with call for "bayanihan"

Vice President Sara Duterte also greeted Filipino-Chinese communities on Tuesday as they celebrate the Lunar New Year, calling on Filipinos to "ignite the spirit of bayanihan" in the Year of the Fire Horse.

"This is a year of high energy and bold action — offering big rewards for those with the courage to take them," Duterte said in a message released by her office.

She wished every Filipino home "abundance, good health, and peace" and urged collective effort toward a more prosperous Philippines.