President Rodrigo Duterte called on Filipinos to be compassionate and demonstrate the ideals of bayanihan as the country celebrated Chinese New Year on Tuesday.

In his message, Duterte said he hoped 2022 would bring good fortune and renewed strength to Filipinos as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to disrupt normalcy in the country.

“It is my fervent prayer that 2022 will be a better year for all of us, in terms of wealth, health, relationships and progress,” he said.

Duterte also urged Filipinos should help those who are most in need.

“Let us look forward to more opportunities for growth and prosperity in the New Year and become instruments of peace, harmony and generosity to all. Mabuhay and Kiong Hee Huat Tsai!” he said.

Chinese New Year is a special non-working holiday.

The Manila city government canceled all public Chinese New Year celebrations, which meant no dragon dances, parades and fireworks were allowed in the Chinatown in Binondo.

The city also implemented a liquor ban. John Ezekiel J. Hirro