DEC.

31, 2013

NR # 3333

Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr.s New Year Message The New Year has become a symbol of renewal in each of our lives. With the trials of the past year, including the devastation brought by natural calamities that have befallen us, I would like to think of 2 !" as an opportunity for recovery and transformation for our country. We are continuing to discover that the road to change and lasting reform is not easy and often met by trials and stumbling blocks along the way. #ut the road we now travel as one nation is significant. Issues which we are forced to address and natural disasters that have come upon us should also be viewed as opportunities to pick ourselves up, and work doubly hard toward the reforms that we seek. I am hopeful that from these trials we are able to draw greater strength, but they are constant reminders of our determination to achieve great change. $ay 2 !" signal the start of this renewal so that no test or trial is ever insurmountable for us. Whatever political, religious or personal differences we may have, the love for country should be a shared focus, enough for us to work hand%in%hand for its continued development and for upholding the dignity of the &ilipino. ' happy and blessed New Year to all. () *