SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez is ushering in 2025 with a message of hope, unity and determination, as he called on Filipinos to embrace the New Year as an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient Philippines.
“Sa ating pagsalubong sa Bagong Taon, nais kong ipaabot ang aking taos-pusong pagbati ng isang mapayapa, masagana at puno ng pag-asa na 2025 para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” Speaker Romualdez said in a statement.
The leader of the 307-strong House of Representatives described the New Year as a fresh start and a chance for collective action to create a brighter future for the nation under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.
“Ang Bagong Taon ay isang simbolo ng bagong simula – isang pagkakataon upang magtulungan muli at magtatag ng mas matibay na kinabukasan para sa ating bayan,” he pointed out.
Reflecting on the year that was, Speaker Romualdez noted that 2024 brought significant achievements but also major challenges, particularly the devastating series of typhoons, floods, and other calamities.
“Ang taong 2024 ay nag-iwan ng maraming alaala para sa ating bansa. Madami tayong naging tagumpay, ngunit ito rin ay naging taon ng matinding hamon – sunod-sunod na bagyo, pagbaha at iba pang kalamidad ang nagdulot ng hirap at pagsubok sa ating mga kababayan,” the Speaker said.
Despite these challenges, the House chief highlighted the resilience of Filipinos, who exhibited unity and the spirit of bayanihan in overcoming hardships.
“As we step into 2025, let us carry with us the lessons of the past year. Let us remain united in our resolve to rise above challenges, to rebuild what has been lost and to ensure that no Filipino is left behind,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“Kasabay ng pag-asa sa bagong taon ay ang panibagong tapang at lakas ng loob upang harapin ang mga hamon at pagkakataon ng kinabukasan,” he added.
The Speaker reaffirmed the House’s commitment to addressing the nation’s pressing needs through proactive legislation, saying it will remain focused on enacting measures that promote economic growth, improve public services, and enhance disaster resilience.
“Bilang lider ng House of Representatives, nais kong tiyakin na ang inyong Kongreso ay mananatiling kaisa ninyo sa pagsusulong ng mga batas na tunay na makatutulong sa buong bansa. We remain strong in our commitment to prioritize legislation that will uplift the lives of our people – laws that will spur economic growth, improve public services and strengthen disaster resilience,” he said.
He also emphasized the critical role of collaboration between the government and the private sector to ensure that all Filipinos have access to essential services and opportunities for a better future.
“Mahalaga ring mabanggit ang pagtutulungan ng pamahalaan at pribadong sektor upang masigurong ang bawat Pilipino ay may access sa pangunahing serbisyo publiko. Patuloy tayong magsusulong ng mga programang magbibigay-daan sa mas maaliwalas na kinabukasan para sa bawat pamilya,” Speaker Romualdez said.
The House leader reiterated his full support for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas,” a nation of opportunity, security, and hope for all.
“Sama-sama nating itaguyod ang isang Bagong Pilipinas ni Pangulong Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr., isang bansa kung saan ang bawat Pilipino ay may oportunidad, may seguridad at may pag-asa,” he affirmed.
Speaker Romualdez closed his statement with a heartfelt wish for a prosperous and peaceful 2025: “Muli, isang masaya, masagana at mapayapang Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat. Mabuhay ang Pilipino, at mabuhay ang ating mahal na Pilipinas!”
