PNoy trumpets achievements in New Year message  

As President Benigno Aquino III celebrates his last New Year as the Philippines’ top leader, he expressed pride on how far the country has come in the last five years of his administration.

"As I reflect on the developments of our country this past year and those that came before it, I am filled with pride by how far we have come since we began our journey in 2010,” Aquino said in his New Year’s message.

Taking another potshot at the Arroyo administration, Aquino said he inherited a country that was facing a future full of despair and uncertainty amid reports of plunder, mismanagement, and corruption.

"Today, progress, opportunity, and growth fill news about the Philippines both here and abroad,” he said, adding the country's "soaring economy, robust democracy, and magnified presence on the global stage not only promise a great start to the coming year but also highlight the Philippines’ ongoing narrative of resurgence under the Daang Matuwid.”

"I join all Filipinos as we bid farewell to a historic 2015 and expectantly look forward to a peaceful, prosperous 2016," the President said.

The President said all the developments were achieved because of collective resolve to follow the straight and righteous path.

"A path that transformed damaged public agencies into stronger, more transparent, and responsive institutions; turned a demoralized government workforce into dedicated civil servants; galvanized an apathetic populace into active, empowered nation-builders; and reinvigorated a sluggish business sector into a major driver of economic growth,” he said.

"Indeed, the Daang Matuwid is a roadmap that will catapult us into First World Status and make us a $1-trillion economy by the year 2030,” Aquino added.

He said the possibility encourages him and the rest of government to faithfully pursue their tasks in the last six months of his administration.

“The same thought should guide us as we choose our leaders this coming election: to maintain the upward trajectory of our growth and keep our nation on the Daang Matuwid,” he said.

“As long as we bear in our hearts and minds the welfare of our people, we will realize our inherent greatness and usher in a Philippines that we can proudly bequeath to the coming generations. I wish you all a happy and eventful new year,” he added. —KBK, GMA News