EASTER SUNDAY MESSAGE

Duterte: Let 'promise of salvation' inspire us to look forward to new beginnings

President Rodrigo Duterte believes that the Easter "promise of salvation" will inspire Filipinos to look forward to new beginnings despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his Easter Sunday message, Duterte said the occasion gives Filipinos "a profound message of hope in the midst of suffering and an assurance of triumph over adversity."

"As we collectively strive to overcome the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, I trust that the promise of salvation will inspire us to look ahead for new beginnings and move forward with stronger faith and compassion for others," he said.

"May this cornerstone of Christianity guide us as we pursue our shared aspirations for a better and safer future for our people," he added.

This is the second year that Filipino Catholics celebrate Easter Sunday on lockdown.

Amid the rising cases of COVID-19, the National Capital Region and its surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna have been placed under enhanced community quarantine on March 29, barring mass gatherings, including religious functions through the Holy Week.

The weeklong ECQ period was supposed to be lifted on Easter Sunday, but it was extended for at least a week as COVID-19 cases continue to go up.

On Saturday, the Philippines logged 12,576 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total tally to 784,043. —Erwin Colcol/LBG, GMA News