Christmas is a season of giving. More than the sumptuous meals and boisterous parties, what really defines Christmas are the small acts of kindness and generosity that we extend not only to our loved ones but even to total strangers knocking on our doors.

Other than finally getting to spend this Christmas with our families and friends, I think what really made this year's celebration special is witnessing so many Filipinos willing to spare some time and money to help our unfortunate brothers and sisters, even as they have not completely recovered from the trials brought by the pandemic and other crises.

Despite the many challenges that tested us one after another this year, I am grateful that we have reached this point together, all stronger than we were before. While we might have lost precious things and priceless people along the way, I hope that we have all gained a new appreciation for life and determination to look ahead while being spurred on by the memories and sacrifices of all those who paved the way for us.

I am thankful for having had the chance to serve our people yet again this year inside and outside the hallowed halls of the Senate.

It is also particularly heartwarming to be recognized for such public service and be recently hailed as an adopted son of Enrile, Cagayan and Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. I have also earlier been pronounced as an adopted son of Iba, Zambales; Legazpi City, Albay; Balungao town in Pangasinan and Pangasinan province itself; Puerto Princesa City; Taal, Batangas; CALABARZON region; and Nueva Ecija province.

I am very grateful for such recognition because it is a great honor for me to be adopted as their own. However, like I always say, there is really no need to thank me as having the opportunity to be of public service is more than a great privilege and gift for me.

Through this position, I was able to successfully push for several proposals to augment the budget for our health and sports sectors, as reflected in the 2023 General Appropriations Act recently signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Through said increases, our vision of making affordable health services accessible to more Filipinos and of strengthening our grassroots sports programs will gain even more ground next year.

Meanwhile, I have also continued our constituency services through outreach activities across the country last week.