links: https://www.afp.mil.ph/index.php/8-afp-news/1241-christmas-message-of-the-afp-chief-of-staff
Christmas Message of the AFP Chief of Staff
Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat.
Allow me to extend my warmest Christmas greetings to everyone who joined us here this evening. It is truly an honor and a privilege to personally deliver this Christmas message to all of you on the very eve of Christmas day.
We have been looking forward to this month’s festivities since the start of the “Ber” months. We were busy with our respective duties and responsibilities that there was little or even no chance at all, to see our families and to be able to spend more quality time with them, with the pandemic still lingering. But I am sure, before 2021 ends, that during this holiday break you will be able to spend precious time with your families and friends, and catch-up with what you have missed this past year.
Let us not, however, forget what the true spirit of Christmas is all about – aside from being the momentous birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, it is the season of giving and sharing. As such, with all the blessings that we received this year, for the good health of our families and loved ones, and the chance to gather and exchange gifts with our friends and comrades - let us be truly grateful to the Almighty. Christmas is indeed the season of love and hope. Moreover, this joyous time of year reminds us that the coming of the Son of God is also about forgiveness and reconciliation, and that the way he endured the difficulties and challenges during his life here on earth, is a classic demonstration of strength, resilience and compassion that all of us should emulate and aspire for. Thus, Christmas should not only remind us of the love and care that we give and share with our families, friends, and loved ones, but should also inspire us to empathize with others, most especially with the less fortunate and those who are in need.
It has only been a few days ago that Typhoon “Odette” ravaged the homes of our “Kababayans” in the Visayas and Mindanao regions - to include my hometown. I am sure that some of us here have relatives who have been severely affected by the typhoon. With that, let us not forget to include our loved ones and the survivors of the typhoon in our prayers. Of course, let us also remember our comrades who are keeping watch right now across the country - to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines – may they be all safe and out of harm’s way. Furthermore, it may be hard to celebrate Christmas in the usual or traditional way this year, but let us live out the spirit of Christmas through acts of kindness and good deeds, by being there for our fellow Filipinos who are badly in need. After all, Christmas is more than just a day - it is the season of giving and sharing.
On a similar note, to the gallant soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I would like to express my deepest appreciation of your selfless sacrifices and faithful service to the Filipino people. I am truly happy and proud that despite all the hardships, challenges and limitations brought about by our current situation, you still persevere and overcome the odds no matter what. All the stars and Christmas lights tonight are shining for you as they beam with pride for all that you have done for our country and people.
Taimtim ko pong ipinagdarasal na patuloy nating ipagdiwang ang totoong diwa ng kapaskuhan sa kabila ng mga paghihirap na dala ng pandemya at mga sakunang ating hinarap sa kasalukuyan. ‘Huwag nating kalilimutan na sa ating buong kasaysayan, tayong mga Pilipino ay hindi nagpatinag at hinding-hindi magpapatinag sa kahit anong pagsubok na hahamon sa tatag ng ating kalooban o paninindigan.
Muli, nais kong iparating ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng dumalo sa ating simpleng pagtitipon ngayong gabi. Isang malaking karangalan ang ipagdiwang ang pinakamasayang araw ng buong taon kasama kayong aking mga minamahal na sundalo at mga kawani ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas sampu ng inyong mga pamilya.
Maraming maraming salamat po!
Maligayang pasko sa ating lahat!
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