President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to embrace discipline, empathy, and shared responsibility as the country welcomed the New Year 2026.

In his New Year message, Marcos said the start of another year offers Filipinos the opportunity to reflect on past lessons and look ahead with renewed purpose.

“I join Filipinos all over the world as we welcome the New Year 2026,” the President said.

“The coming of another year is always a moment for reflection and renewal.”

The Chief Executive urged the public to go beyond personal resolutions and reflect on how individual actions shape the nation’s future.

“As we step into 2026, I therefore call on every Filipino to embrace the year with discipline, confidence, and a shared commitment to our nation’s progress,” he said.

“For beyond personal resolutions, the new year calls on us to examine how we live with one another, how we lift one another, and how our choices shape our nation.”

The President stressed that progress is rooted in collective values.

“A society thrives when its people choose empathy over indifference, service over self-interest, and hope over despair,” Marcos said.

He reiterated the government’s resolve to pursue reforms anchored on unity and compassion.

“It is thus our commitment in the government to be relentless in pursuing a Bagong Pilipinas that nurtures unity, fosters compassion, and showcases the greatness of our kababayans,” he said.

Marcos said the country’s future must be shaped by collective will rather than circumstance alone.

“As we step into the unfolding days ahead, may we move forward with a clearer understanding of our role in each other’s lives and a renewed commitment to building a future shaped not by circumstance alone, but by the strength of our will and the clarity of our collective purpose,” he said. (PNA)