President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed his warm wishes to the Filipino-Chinese community and the entire nation as they celebrated Chinese New Year on Wednesday. He highlighted the significance of the occasion, which marks the transition into the Year of the Snake, as a time of hope, renewal, and resilience.
Marcos encouraged Filipinos to harness the symbolic values of the Year of the Snake—wisdom, intuition, and transformation—to pursue prosperity with courage and determination. He emphasized the importance of setting ambitious goals not just for personal benefit but for the collective advancement of the nation.
“Let the Chinese New Year inspire us to set bold intentions and pursue grand ambitions for the greater good,” Marcos stated. He stressed that every effort, driven by clarity and resolve, presents an opportunity to achieve shared aspirations.
Reflecting on the vibrant lanterns that are a hallmark of the celebration, Marcos likened them to the bright future that awaits the Philippines if its people unite in purpose. He called for a renewed commitment to building a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’—a nation characterized by new beginnings, fruitful endeavors, and strengthened community bonds.
“As we usher in the new year, may the lanterns that light up our festivities also illuminate our national purpose,” Marcos added. He expressed his hope that the wisdom of the Year of the Snake would guide the nation, empowering Filipinos to navigate life with grace and resilience.
The National Security Council (NSC) also extended its greetings to the Filipino-Chinese community, emphasizing the themes of wisdom, resilience, and transformation as key to building a brighter, more secure future. They encouraged the nation to embrace hope, fortify relationships, and drive change towards a prosperous ‘Bagong Pilipinas’.
In recognition of Chinese New Year, January 29 was declared a special non-working holiday across the country.