Duterte: Welcome New Year with hope, determination

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday urged Filipinos to welcome and celebrate the New Year with hope and determination despite the trials that hampered the country's progress.

In his New Year's message to the public, Duterte said, "We are at a time when our resolve is being tested by many trials and difficulties. Corruption, criminality, illegal drugs and terrorism have impeded our progress in the past year. However, I remain hopeful that our resilience will enable us to overcome and rise above these challenges as one nation."

"Let us embrace this coming year's uncertainty with a glimmer of hope and remain determined in achieving our vision of a better and more prosperous future," Duterte added.

Duterte urged Filipinos to "draw strength" from one another and remain united as we pursue for a more comfortable and productive life this coming 2018.

"As we spend time with our family, friends and loved ones in turning a new page in our nation's history, let us draw strength from what we have achieved both as individuals and as a community in the past year," Duterte said.

"It is my hope that we foster solidarity as we move forward in our pursuit of providing a more comfortable and productive life for all," the President added. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BM, GMA News