Despite the calamities, tragedies, and crises that hit the Philippines this year, Filipinos should keep their spirits up especially in preparing to welcome the New Year, according to Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

In his holiday message, Binay called on the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, the kin of the fatalities in the Ampatuan, Maguindanao massacre, the displaced residents near Mayon Volcano, and his constituents whose houses fell prey to a humungous fire last Wednesday to cling to Christ’s message of hope and salvation despite the tragedies that befell them.

“Lagi ko ngang sinasabi na anuman ang dumaan sa ating buhay, anuman ang pagsubok, huwag tayong panghinaan ng loob. Kapag may tiwala sa Panginoon at tiwala sa sarili, umasa tayong gaganda ang buhay,” he said.

The mayor added that since Christmas signals hope for salvation, people should be heralds of Christ’s promise, by helping each other in times of need.

“Marami ang nagsasabi na para raw nababalot ng lungkot at pangamba ang buong bansa. Gayunpaman, higit nararapat na sa panahong ito ay ipagdiwang natin ang pagsalubong sa bagong taon bilang simbolo ng pagbabagong buhay,” he said.

He called on Filipinos to continue the bayanihan spirit and help their needy neighbors in whatever way they could.

“Likas sa ating mga Pilipino ang pagiging matulungin. Napatunayan natin yan nang dumaan ang bagyong Ondoy at Pepeng at tuwing mangangailangan ang mga kapus-palad nating mga kababayan,” he said.