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[Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace | January 11, 2017]
Mr. President on this festive and traditional occasion of exchanging greetings at the beginning of the year, the chiefs of the diplomatic missions and the international organizations accredited to the government of the Republic of the Philippines cordially express their best wishes.
For the part of the government of the Republic of the Philippines cordially expressed their deep gratitude and best wishes to you Mr. President as well as to the Filipino nation.
In their name, I convey to you, Mr. President, to the leaders of the Senate and the House of the Representatives, to the Cabinet secretaries, the most heartfelt wishes for a 27th full of achievements in trade and especially in cooperation in the vast and complex area of technology that is gaining more and more interest.
There is no nation nor people that does not long for tranquility and security. Therefore, initiatives for peace multiply and open the way to development.
Yet, natural phenomena like the super typhoon Nina which devastated the region of Bicol and the provinces of Legaspi and Catanduanes on Christmas Day last year have setback the achievements obtained with great sacrifices. More than a million people were left homeless and jobless.
Where can they find their resources for a new and better reconstruction? The answer lies first of all in the Filipinos themselves and in their ability to shape their future again and again, in their enthusiasm for community life and their passion, forgiving and the receiving support.
Of course, there was also generous assistance to the population, to the passengers and tourists who appreciated the efficacious intervention of the national and the international organizations, the religious association and volunteer workers.
Mr. President, the word “solidarity” means much in this country and we, members of the Diplomatic Corps, feel that we were part of the Filipino people of its hospitality and its determination to face the challenges of advertising growth, adversities brought about by forces of nature or arising from events that take place.
To you, Mr. President, to the honorable Secretary of Foreign Affairs and his collaborators, whom we thank for their valuable collaboration in the fulfillment of our mission and to all those who share with you the honor and responsibility of leading the Philippine government, the Diplomatic Corps expresses its best wishes of good health and success.
Let us now raise our glasses for a toast to a new year of hope and peace of greater progress and prosperity for the Filipino people and for the well-being of Mr. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. May abundantly bless us in this new year 2017.
Mabuhay!
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