MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday called for solidarity as he expressed hope that Filipinos would be able to overcome all challenges in the coming year. In his new year message, Duterte called on Filipinos to draw strength from what they achieved in the past year. Duterte said Filipinos are living at a time when their resolve is being tested by many trials and difficulties. "Let us embrace this coming year's uncertainty with a glimmer of hope and remain determined in achieving our vision of a better and a more prosperous future." Duterte has described 2017 as a "year of sorrow" because of natural and man-made disasters that left hundreds of people dead.

Source: Philippine Star December 31, 2017 09:33 UTC