Marcos wishes Filipinos a happy, prosperous New Year

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. wished Filipinos a happy and prosperous new year as the country welcomed 2024.

In a video message released just before midnight, Marcos said he wished for prosperity for the nation in the new year.

"Nakikisama ako sa bawa't isa sa inyo na mataimtim na nananalangin na, harinawa, ang darating na mga araw ay mapuno ng pag-asa na hatid ng kasaganahan para sa lahat," he said. 

(I am one with those of you who are fervently praying that the coming days will be filled with hope brought by prosperity for all.)

"Kabilang ako sa mga mahigpit na nananampalataya sa ating kakayahan at sa kabutihan ng Maykapal, na lahat ng ating pinapangarap ay sana matupad," he added.

(I am among those who firmly believe in our capability and in the goodness of God, that what we dream of will be fulfilled.)

Marcos also said that he looks back on 2023 "pleased" with the administration's accomplishments.

"We look forward to the new year with a pledge to build better and more. We have set high hopes for the days ahead and we know that these can only be achieved with hard work. Bagong taon, bagong pag-asa, at bagong panata na anuman ang mga balakid na haharapin ay sama-sama nating lalagpasan," he said.

(New year, new hope, and a new promise that we will overcome any obstacles together.)

2023 ended with the government sticking to its deadline for the submission of applications for public utility vehicle (PUV) operators to consolidate operations as part of the PUV Modernization Program—which has been met with transport strikes and days of protests by drivers, operators, transport groups, and supporters.

Marcos, however, pointed to achievements by the administration that, he said, did not make headlines. "We built 33 additional specialty centers, over 2,000 classrooms, and seven additional cold chain facilities...we facilitated investments in renewable energy through the award of renewable energy contracts with the total potential capacity of around 121,000 megawatts," he said.

"We also completed eight water supply projects with 147 additional water projects being implemented in preparation for next year," he added, presumably referring to the threat of El Niño, for which the agriculture department and other agencies have begun measures to mitigate the effects of the looming dry spell.

Marcos said that his administration will also continue to "purge" government of rules that slow the delivery of public services, "because when projects get delayed, progress is denied our people."

Marcos also touted government assistance programs, including college scholarships and livelihood grants, as well as welfare programs that are meant to help people "graduate" from poverty.

"Ang New Year's resolution ng inyong pamahalaan ay ang puspusang pagsisikap upang mag-gawad ng mahusay at tapat na serbisyo na susi ng pagpaganda ng buhay nating lahat," he said.

(Your government's New Year's resolution is to fully work towards giving efficient and devoted service which will be the key to improving life for us all.) — BM, GMA Integrated News