Duterte on Christmas: Have stronger faith, hope to recover from Odette, COVID-19

President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday, Christmas Day, called on the nation to find strength as the country heals from the onslaught of Typhoon Odette and the lingering COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ with fervent prayer, let us also welcome this occasion with stronger faith and hope, especially as our nation continues to recover from the effects of Typhoon Odette and the COVID-19 pandemic,” Duterte said.

“May we all be united in spreading love, compassion and happiness to our families and friends, and even those whom we need to reach out to,” the President said.

The typhoon flattened some communities in the Visayas and Mindanao, leaving people without homes, food, water and electricity.

The reported death toll due to Typhoon Odette has climbed to 326, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Friday.

Duterte has pledged to raise funds for the relief and rehabilitation of the devastated areas.

Meanwhile, the country on Friday recorded 310 new COVID-19 cases bringing the nationwide tally to 2,838,032. Of this number, 9,321 are active; 2,777,661 recovered; and 51,050 died.

“There is a time and season for everything, and Christmas is a time for peace. Let us continue to help each other to heal and rebuild our lives. This will lead us to open our hearts and homes, especially for those who are most in need so that they, too, may have joy and hope while we all work together towards better days ahead,” the country’s chief executive said. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News