President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. enjoined Filipinos to embody the spirit of solidarity and contribute to development as he joins the nation in welcoming the new year.

Marcos said every new beginning is a time for reflection on past accomplishments, to move forward with the lessons learned, and to reinforce the unity forged as a people.

“As a nation, we bid farewell to the challenges and triumphs of the past year and embrace a new dawn of opportunity and hope that heralds another fresh start for all,” the President said in his message released Sunday.

“As we welcome 2024 with great optimism, I call upon every Filipino from every corner of the world to contribute to the future of our beloved motherland. Let us embody the spirit of solidarity through acts of kindness, volunteerism, and compassion, knowing that each of us is a catalyst for our country’s meaningful social transformation.”

President Marcos also committed to “strengthen bonds and charter a new roadmap for tomorrow.”

“Let the dream of a revitalized Philippines — a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) — guide our every endeavor as we bring forth peace, progress, and prosperity for all,” Marcos said. (PND/PNA)