Sara Duterte calls on Filipinos to ring in Lunar New Year with hope, optimism

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte delivered her Lunar New Year message with a call for Filipinos to "embrace the spirit of generosity and harmony" and face 2025 with renewed determination.

"This vibrant time not only honors our rich traditions but also highlights the strong bonds of collaboration that enrich our heritage," Duterte said.

"Let us march ahead with renewed vigor and determination to ring in 2025 with hope and optimism," she added. 

In her message, Duterte said that the Spring Festival is a time that "not only honors our rich traditions but also highlights the strong bonds of collaboration that enrich our heritage."

The vice-president highlighted the importance of community bonds, urging Filipinos to "nurture the spirit of compassion and bayanihan in rediscovering the rich and dynamic heritage that have long defined our mutual ties of friendship and cooperation."

"Whatever lies ahead this year, may we face every challenge boldly with the same diligence, resilience, and hard work which all communities are known for," she added. 

The Lunar New Year marks the start of a new year in the lunisolar calendar. It has been an annual public holiday in the Philippines since 2012.