MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos has called for a “Bagong Pilipinas” as the Filipino-Chinese community celebrates Chinese New Year on Wednesday. 

“May this auspicious time rekindle our commitment to a Bagong Pilipinas-inspiring new beginnings, forging fruitful endeavors, and deepening our duty to strengthen the ties that bind us as a country,” Marcos said in a statement.

Marcos launched Bagong Pilipinas on Jan 28 last year, promising better services to the Filipino people. 

“As the Year of the Snake dawns, we are recalled to the virtues of wisdom, intuition, and transformation, calling us to embrace its promise of prosperity with courage and determination,” he said. 

Marcos likewise said that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth, and every effort, driven by clarity and determination, brings us closer to achieving our shared aspirations. 

He called on the nation to let the radiant lanterns of the celebration inspire and illuminate a collective sense of purpose.