Pinoys urged to ‘throw away’ negativity

MANILA, Philippines - Senior administration lawmakers called on Filipinos yesterday to “throw away all negativity,” turn to prayer and strengthen positive values of discipline, hard work to allow the country to progress faster and peacefully.

Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara said “it has been repeatedly proven that no financial difficulty, natural calamity, or even a defeat of boxing hero Manny Pacquiao can ever dampen the spirit and sense of optimism of Filipinos.”

“We have always managed to come back, to courageously conquer temporary defeats and setbacks. These are the things in life that indeed test one’s faith and resiliency in the midst of adversity,” Angara said.

“Let us throw away all negativity, as we sail on to continue the journey towards true prosperity that will put all of us out of poverty,” he said.

He urged Filipinos to look at the coming New Year with a “positive mindset” and “renewed confidence,” even as he expressed optimism that 2013 will be a better one for Filipinos.

Ang Kasangga party-list Rep. Teodorico Haresco said the country’s peace and prosperity hinges on Filipinos themselves, who need to learn to imbibe the values of self-reliance and love for country.

“We can rely only on ourselves, and minimize ‘aid-seeking’ mentality. We Filipinos can use more discipline, hard work, and love for country, and more prayers, and if all of us have that within us, it would be impossible to stop the Philippines,” Haresco said.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, president of the Centrist Democratic Party, also urged Filipinos to be more optimistic and prayerful, saying “prayers give unimaginable powers and strength.”

Meanwhile, Maguindanao Rep. Simeon Datumanong wishes for a “better” and lasting peace in Mindanao in 2013.

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo, for his part, said Filipinos should not be ashamed to “roll up their sleeves and do what is necessary for the welfare and prosperity of our families and our country.”