HINIMOK ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte ang mga Pilipino na salubungin ang Pasko na may matatag na pananalig at pag-asa lalo na sa bansang patuloy na bumabangon sa epekto ng bagyong Odette at pandemya.
“I joined all Christians here in the Philippines and around the world in celebrating the blessed season of Christmas,” ayon sa Chief Executive.
“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,” pahayag pa ng Palasyo.
Idinagdag nito na may panahon para sa lahat at ang Pasko ay panahon ng kapayapaan.
“Let us continue to help each other to heal and rebuild our lives. This will lead us to open our hearts and our 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. Isang masaya, pinagpala at makabuluhang Pasko sa ating lahat,” ayon pa sa Pangulo.
Sa hiwalay na pahayag, hinikayat ni Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar ang publiko na patuloy na sundin ang mga minimum na protocol sa kalusugan at lumahok sa programa ng pagbabakuna ng coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) ng gobyerno upang makamit ang “collective healing and recovery from this global health crisis.
Nakiramay din si Andanar sa mga nasalanta ng nagdaang bagyo.
“Although this sacred and joyful occasion is often spent reflecting and celebrating with families, loved ones, and friends, the current situation brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly the Omicron variant, calls for us to virtually observe this holiday season or have gatherings at a limited capacity,” pahayag nito.
Nagpahayag din si Andanar ng pag-asa na ang mga aral at moral mula sa pagsilang ng Tagapagligtas at ang ipinakitang kababaang-loob, pakikiramay, at kagandahang-loob ni Kristo ay makapaghikayat sa bawat Pilipino na tumulong sa ating mga kababayan na nagtitiis sa epekto ng “Odette”.
“Let us impart His love and blessings through the spirit of Bayanihan and give to those in need,” he said. “With this, we extend our warmest greetings to all the Filipinos here and around the world as we celebrate Christmas today.” PNA