VICE President Sara Duterte yesterday urged Filipinos to “embrace the spirit of generosity and harmony that defines this season” as the world celebrated Chinese New Year.
“This vibrant time not only honors our rich traditions but also highlights the strong bonds of collaboration that enrich our heritage. Let us march ahead with renewed vigor and determination to ring in 2025 with hope and optimism,” she said in a video message.
Duterte, who like her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is known for her closeness to the Chinese government, said her office joins all communities “in celebrating the efforts that brought good fortune and growth in our shared pursuit of a resilient and prosperous future.”
“As we look forward to a New Year, let us nurture the spirit of compassion and ‘Bayanihan’ in rediscovering the rich and dynamic heritage that has long defined our mutual ties of friendship and cooperation,” she said. “And whatever lies ahead this year, may we face every challenge boldly with the same diligence, resilience, and hard work which all communities are known for.”
Former Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles extended his “heartfelt greetings to all our Filipino-Chinese friends and the entire Fil-Chi community for a prosperous New Year.”
“We also humbly express our deep gratitude for their unwavering support and fervent commitment to economic prosperity and good governance,” said the former Civil Service Commission (CSC) chair, who is facing the former president in the Davao City mayoralty race.
Nograles cited the “invaluable” contributions of Filipino-Chinese businessmen to Davao City’s economy, citing their crucial role in the city’s “continuing evolution as an economic and entrepreneurial hub in Mindanao.”
“Our Fil-Chi friends have always been indispensable in driving Davao City commerce forward. You cannot overstate their contributions to the local economy,” said the eldest son of the late former Speaker Prospero Nograles Jr.
The young Nograles said the “best token of our appreciation” to those who invest financial and human capital in Davao City is to improve the business environment in the city “to make doing business even easier and more convenient, to lay down a comprehensive economic plan, and to modernize every aspect of Davao’s economy.”
He cited the need to computerize and automate the issuance of business licenses and permits, improve the City’s database, streamline and decongest the flow of goods through a better transport and road network, and boost investments through more infrastructure spending and education training.
“Davao has always been a powerhouse in Mindanao, and with the right policies and the appropriate programs, we can take it to the next level—attracting more investors, supporting homegrown entrepreneurs, and creating more opportunities for our people. By improving our business climate, we don’t just help companies—we create a vibrant, more prosperous Davao for everyone,” he said.