HOUSE Majority Leader and Leyte Rep. Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday expressed confidence that Filipinos’ strength and resiliency would help the country recover from the devastating effects of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Romualdez, chairman of the powerful House committee on rules, said Filipinos’ phenomenal capacity to survive previous disasters, including powerful earthquakes and strong typhoons such as Yolanda will always serve as an inspiration to overcome present and future calamities and conflict.
“Even with the restrictions and limitations imposed on us to contain the spread of the epidemic, we have managed to survive and perform our missions in life with vigor,” said Romualdez, president of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), as the country joined the rest of the world in celebrating Christmas day.
“Our situation today has given us time to pause and reflect on what we have achieved so far and what we still need to do to help improve our people’s lives,” said Romualdez, a lawyer from the University of the Philippines (UP) and president of the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa).
“What I found special is our ability to stand tall despite the adversities and our innate nature to reach out to those in need in times of crisis. I have seen this indomitable Filipino spirit in the aftermath of Yolanda and I am seeing this again now,” stressed Romualdez.
In his Christmas message issued last December 24, Romualdez greeted Filipinos with great joy in celebrating the Yuletide season with family, friends and loved ones.
“This Yuletide season may not be the most joyous of our holiday celebrations, but this may yet turn out as the most memorable,” Romualdez said.
“We can still adorn our homes with decorations, attend Mass and church services, hear Christmas carols, and most especially, enjoy dinner with our loved ones. Now is also the most opportune time to give thanks for all the blessings that we have received throughout the year,” Romualdez said.
“‘Tis a season for giving, they say, so please find time to continue sharing your blessings with our less fortunate brothers and sisters. In giving, may your hearts always be filled with joy as we are reminded that our celebration focuses on the birth of our Savior who offered His life to give us eternal salvation. May we have a better, if not the best, New Year ahead of us!,” Romualdez said.
