MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. encouraged Filipinos on Saturday to strive to fulfill their respective New Year’s resolutions, highlighting their importance to the Bagong Pilipinas that his administration is advocating to usher the nation toward change and development.

In a video message posted online, President Marcos said like many Filipinos, he too has New Year’s resolution that he wants work on for change and self-improvement.

Marcos said among his New Year’s resolution include spending more time with his family, watching his diet to maintain good health, and having regular exercise to lessen stress for stronger immunity.

“Pero siyempre, nangingibabaw sa ating New Year’s resolution ang mga mithiin natin sa bayan dahil marami pang kailangang gawin, marami pang kailangan pagandahin, at marami pang kailangan ayusin para naman tuluy-tuloy ang pagsulong natin tungo sa isang Bagong Pilipinas,” the President said in his video message, as he explains the concept of Bagong Pilipinas in relation to everyone’s New Year’s resolution.

“Unang-una, isang magandang bahagi sa landas natin tungo sa Bagong Pilipinas ay ang individual and community involvement – ang pakikilahok ng taongbayan; ang pakikilahok ng bawat isa; ang bawat barangay, pamilya o indibidwal ay tinatawag na maging bahagi ng pagbabago. Lahat naman ay may magagawa, lahat naman ay may maiaambag, lahat at kabilang, he added.”

Marcos said that aside from the government, he will make it sure, with the help of Filipinos, that Bagong Pilipinas will be attained by the nation through “Bagong Pilipino,” citing the significance of everybody’s New Year’s resolution.

For instance, Filipinos could start with themselves and their families by observing punctuality, being more productive in their work, and prudent on their spending.

He encouraged Filipinos to improve and develop themselves by reading books, learning new technologies, observing personal grooming and self-discipline, and becoming a good citizen and family member.

“Iiwasan ko na maging mainitin ang ulo lalo na sa pagda-drive. Ay naku, ‘yang mga road rage na ‘yan ay walang silbi ‘yan. Huwag na tayong madala sa galit. Naintidihin ko rin ‘yan at nagda-drive din ako at talagang minsan iinit ang ulo mo. Pero huwag na tayong magpapadala diyan,” Marcos said, also stressing the importance of good diet and healthy lifestyle.

“Ang mga pangako natin sa ating sarili patungkol sa disiplina o maging sa pagpahusay ng ating abilidad o ‘yung mga self-imporvement na tinatawag, lahat ‘yan ay may maitutulong sa ating bayan. Sa sama-samang pagkilos na ito, may dalang kaginhawaan na ramdam sa buong bansa, ” the President stated.

And as the nation observes Community Development Day this weekend, Marcos said it is a reminder on the importance of improving and developing local communities.

“Sa mga susunod na linggo ay lalo niyo pang mauunawaan at mararamdaman ang ibig sabihin ng Bagong Pilipinas,” Marcos said.

“Papaigtingin natin ang paghihikayat sa lahat na maging bahagi ng pagpapaganda ng ating barangay, siyudad, probinsiya, at ng buong bansa. Dahil walang Bagong Pilipinas kung walang Bagong Pilipino,” he said. (PND)