Duterte wishes unity in 2018
President Duterte said yesterday he hopes that the Filipino people will continue to unite to solve the country’s ills as the Philippines joins the rest the world in welcoming 2018.
In his official message for the New Year, Duterte noted the many trials the Philippines encountered in the past 365 days but expressed hoped that the Filipinos remain resilient and united to overcome the challenges the nation faces.
“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,” Duterte said.
“However, I remain hopeful that our resilience will enable us to overcome and rise above these challenges as one nation,” he added.
Duterte encouraged the people to look back and learn from their experience this 2017 and look forward to what 2018 has in store for everyone with unity, hope, and determination.
“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,” the President 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,” he added.
“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,” he continued.
This year, President Duterte had his hands full as he tried to juggle his responsibilities. The President continued with his drug war amid criticism, and implemented martial law in Mindanao to address the threat of terrorism in the island.
Duterte also terminated the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s ArmyNational Democratic Front (CPP-NPANDF), citing the rebels’ insincerity to the negotiations. He also moved to declare them as terrorists.
The President hosted the 30th and 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits and the country’s chairmanship was lauded by other foreign leaders.
He developed his ties with other superpowers, including the United States, Japan, China, and Russia.
Duterte also signed landmark laws and executive orders, including the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, and the Nationwide Smoking Ban executive order.
On Saturday, Malacañang said that Filipinos can look forward for a bright 2018, citing the country’s improving situation.
“The prospects for the future thus look bright. We therefore ask our citizens to help the administration in laying down the foundation of a prosperous and peaceful nation,” presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.
“Our economy is on a roll with institutions like the Asian Development Bank upgrading our growth outlook for 2017 and debt watcher Standard & Poor’s (S&P) Global Ratings also adjusting upward its economic growth forecast for the Philippines this year,” he added.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar noted the recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey which shows that 96 percent of Filipinos are being optimistic for the new year.
However, he added. in an interview over Super Radyo DZBB Sunday morning, the government will not be complacent and will continue to work hard this 2018.