Hope, life, recovery reasons to celebrate Christmas – Belmonte

MANILA, Philippines — Despite challenges that the country faced this year, Filipinos are still fortunate to receive the gifts of life, hope and recovery this Christmas season, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said yesterday.

Belmonte, in her Christmas message to Quezon City residents, said these three gifts will serve as a reminder for everyone to continue fighting for their goals, dreams and aspirations.

The mayor recognized unwavering efforts and effective measures to address the pandemic, citing the improving situation in the city and the recovery of those who contracted the viral illness.

Recognizing that not everyone received the gift of life this year, Belmonte paid tribute to those who died of COVID-19, saying their memories will remain in the hearts and minds of their loved ones.

Noting the reopening of many businesses and the resumption of face-to-face classes, the mayor said the second gift that Filipinos received this Christmas is the gradual return to the new normal.

“Aside from the decreasing number of cases, we are now also feeling less anxious. Businesses are opening up one by one. Those who lost their jobs are now getting up on their feet,” she said in Filipino.

“We are preparing for the opening of face-to-face classes in more schools next year. Our children will now be able to meet and be with their classmates,” she added.

She urged Quezon City residents to continue following health protocols to ensure that this recovery will continue.

It is through cooperation, she said, that Filipinos can benefit from the gift of hope for a better future.

“Hope is the gift that we receive and create at the same time. Hope will only come if we come together,” she said, citing vaccination as an example.

“These three gifts this Christmas – new life, new normal and new hope – are presents that we will bring to the new year,” she added.