Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III on Monday opened the 20th Congress’ second regular session with a call for renewal and clarity as lawmakers press ahead with their work.
He urged Filipinos to ‘never lose sight’ of the core values of compassion, respect, faith, and bayanihan, saying that true national progress depends not only on sound policies but also on moral renewal.
‘For our country to really move forward, we must never lose sight of what has always been our greatest strength – our Filipino core values. This is our strength, the true wealth that we must care for and be proud of,’ Dy said in a mix of English and Filipino.
‘Despite the many problems and challenges, we have remained steadfast as a nation because we know how to support one another and practice bayanihan,’ he added.
The nation is grappling with soaring prices of basic goods and a political feud between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte that has deepened divisions among their supporters.
WATCH: Speaker Dy convenes House for Second Regular Session
‘At this point, let us never lose sight of the true traits of being Filipino,’ Dy said in Filipino. ‘It isn’t too late; let’s begin with ourselves.’
‘The biggest danger is when we lose our valuing and caring for each other – when we stop caring for our fellow Filipinos,’ he added.
Echoing the sentiments President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., he said: ‘Let’s not get tired of being understanding. Let’s not get tired of helping others. And as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his Independence Day speech, let’s not get tired of loving and fighting for our motherland.’
Dy stressed that the country’s resilience has always been rooted in solidarity and compassion.
‘In spite of our problems and challenges, we have become stronger as a nation because we now how to sympathize and cooperate. This is who we are. This is the trait that describes us as Filipinos,’ he said.
He called on every Filipino to help restore the country’s moral foundations through everyday acts of integrity, responsibility, and love of country.
‘We are all accountable. To ourselves, and to each other. This is a good example of change that starts with each one of us,’ he said.