Robredo says hope springs eternal as families, friends come together for Christmas

Vice President Leni Robredo said Friday that Christmas Day can still be full of hope and joy with the warmth of family and friends.

Robredo said that while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing and Typhoon Odette displacing over two million people from Christmas Day, being there for each other will always find comfort.

"Ngunit sa kabila nito (mga pagsubok), nagbabalot tayo ng kahit na maliit na regalo, naghahanda kahit para sa munting salo-salo, nagsasabit ng parol at ilaw para iparamdam sa kapwa ang kaisipang dala ng Pasko: Na ang pag-asa, matatagpuan sa pagsasama-sama, sa pagbubukas ng loob sa kapwa, sa pagpaparamdam sa kanilang hindi sila nag-iisa. Na lagi tayong may katabi sa pagsubok man o sa landas tungo sa ating mga pangarap (Despite the trials, we take time to prepare thoughtful gifts, share food and put on Christmas decors and lights which show that hope can be found in togetherness and showing empathy, that we are not alone in our trials and dreams)," she said.

"Ito mismo ang aral na dala ni Hesukristo: Isinilang Siya sa sabsaban, at lumakad sa tsinelas ng karaniwang tao. Nakiisa Siya sa buong lalim ng ating karanasan. Nagkatawang-tao para ipadama sa atin ang Kaniyang dakilang pag-ibig para sa sangkatauhan (This is the lesson brought by Jesus Christ. He was born in a manger, walked in slippers like the rest of us and joined us in our journey. He became human to make us feel loved)," she added.

Robredo said Christmas is also a time to be grateful for the blessings and hugging people as much as embracing hope for better days to come.

"Kilalanin natin kung paano tayong pinagdudugtong ng nag-iisang kulay ng mga pangarap natin; ng nag-iisang kulay ng pag-ibig, na siyang kulay ng Pasko (We stand together because our dreams have the same color: the color of love which is the color of Christmas)," she said.

"Isang Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat mula sa aming pamilya at sa Tanggapan ng Pangalawang Pangulo (Have a merry Christmas from our family and the Office of the Vice President)," she added. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News