Aquino exhorts Filipinos to celebrate Christmas with families

President Benigno S. Aquino III carries a child during the Pasko ng Batang Pinoy 2014 at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (December 19, 2014). The Pasko ng Batang Pinoy Project is part of The DSWD’s program to provide the street children a venue for self-enhancement through various activities to enjoy the spirit of Christmas while impede them from going out the streets especially this yuletide season. Also in photo is Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman. (Photo by Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)

MANILA — President Benigno Aquino III encouraged Filipinos to celebrate a meaningful Christmas with their families.

In the video released by Malacañang on Monday, the President said Christmas will be more meaningful if we use it as an opportunity to get even closer to our families.

“Alam naman po natin na ng pagmamahalan ng pamilyang Pilipino ay walang kinikilalang hangganan or teritoryo. Hindi ba’t isa ito sa ipinagmamalaki nating katangian ng ating lahi? Magkalapit man o magkalayo, talagang hindi tayo nagkukulang sa pagpapadama ng pagmamahal sa ating pamilya (We know that the love of the Filipino family knows no bounds. Isn’t this one of the traits that we Filipinos are most proud about? Whether near or far, we never fail to show love for our family),” the President said.

Aquino also urged Filipinos to use Christmas as a chance to look back on the past year and be grateful for the blessings especially when recent Typhoon Ruby hit the country. He also expressed gratitude that many lives were saved during the storm.

“Let’s thank the Lord for the many who were rescued despite Typhoon Ruby and will be able to celebrate Christmas with their families,” he said.

He also added that the coming visit of Pope Francis in January would certainly bring hope and deepen the faith not only of those in need but among all Christians.

Aquino also vowed that his administration would continue to serve the people and to push for reforms.

Like Jesus, he said, “your government is here not to put itself first, not to act like a king, but to serve its bosses and the country.

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He cited the administration’s accomplishment in addressing corruption, resolving problems within government institutions, and increasing the quality of life of the poor over the past four years.

He also asked every Filipino to pray for strength that the reforms initiated will be sustained so the next generation can benefit from.

“Sama-sama nating ipanalangin na bigyan tayo ng lakas upang ipagpatuloy ang ating mga nasimulan. Maging bukal tayo ng lakas, malasakit at pagmamahal sa kapwa, habang ginagawa nating permanente ang tinatamasang makabuluhang pagbabago (Let us all pray that God would give us the strength to continue what we’ve started; that we become a spring of strength, concern, and love for one another as we strive to make permanent the significant changes we are experiencing),” he said.

He added that “This is our gift for the next generation, a Philippines that is free from corruption, and enjoys long lasting peace, where every Filipino has the chance to live an honorable and fruitful life.”