By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

MANILA – The Department of National Defense (DND) has urged Filipinos to uphold “bayanihan” or the spirit of community and cooperation this Christmas by helping their fellowmen, especially those hit by calamities, recover.
“This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Christ —a symbol of hope— let us take this time to reflect on the blessings we have received and extend that same hope to those in need,” Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said in a statement Tuesday.
“Many of our fellow Filipinos continue to face hardships caused by recent calamities, and I urge everyone to uphold the spirit of bayanihan by offering compassion, support, and generosity to help rebuild their live,” Teodoro said.
He also asked the public to keep in their prayers all the men and women in uniform who, despite being away from their families, “selflessly stand guard to protect the peace and freedom we enjoy today”.
“Their sacrifices remind us of the importance of patriotism and unity, especially amidst challenges to our nation’s security and sovereignty,” he said.
“On behalf of the Department of National Defense, I wish everyone a joyous, hopeful, and meaningful Christmas. May this season inspire us all to give, serve, and unite as one Filipino nation.”
The Philippines suffered a severe blow from a series of storms that struck several provinces, including Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) that unleashed heavy rains in the Bicol region in late October.
The series of typhoons affected millions of individuals and caused damage to farmlands and infrastructure.
Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., in a separate message, also conveyed his Christmas greetings and asked Filipinos to become an “instrument of peace”.
“As Christians, let us follow the path that Jesus paved for us and embody the virtues that he taught to his disciples and the early Christians – kindness, humility, generosity, courage and self-sacrifice. Most of all, may we become instruments of peace, as what the Prince of Peace did throughout his three decades on earth,” he said.
“May Jesus’ life inspire us and strengthen our resolve to help uplift the lives of others, especially those who are most in need.” (PNA)