Duterte to Filipinos: Let’s be hopeful for better days ahead

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday asked Filipinos to be optimistic about the future even as the country faces several challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his Christmas message, Duterte said 2020 has been a “trying time” for everyone since “many lives were lost and forever changed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and several natural calamities.”

“But through it all, we continue to survive and rise because of our unity, strength and indomitable spirit as Filipinos,” he said.

The President added the story of Christ’s birth is a reminder that “we should always have hope even in darkness, poverty and suffering.”

“Let us also allow Christ into our lives so that we could bring love and cheer not only to our families and friends but also to those who are most in need,” he said.

“May we all have a meaningful celebration and let us be hopeful for the better days ahead,” said Duterte, who is in Davao City to celebrate Christmas with his family.

Most Filipinos remain hopeful for the year 2021 despite the pandemic, according to the results of a recent Pulse Asia survey released on Wednesday.

The survey, conducted from November 23 to December 2, revealed that 91% of Filipino adults said they will face the new year with hope.

Pulse Asia said this view was shared by populations in every geographic area and socio-economic grouping. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News