Vice President Sara Duterte used the Lunar New Year to deliver a feel-good yet pointed message on how Filipinos can navigate a turbulent Year of the Fire Horse — by embracing courage, unity and shared effort instead of fear and division.

She began by greeting Filipino-Chinese communities worldwide, tying the symbolism of the Fire Horse to 2026 as a year of “high energy and bold action,” rewarding those willing to take risks and act decisively.

Moving beyond individual courage, Duterte urged Filipinos to “ignite the spirit of bayanihan” and “charge forward into a new year of possibilities.” Her message blended Chinese New Year imagery with a distinctly Filipino call for communal support.

She closed on an aspirational, nation-building note, linking personal courage and community solidarity to the larger goal of “a more developed and prosperous Philippines for all,” while wishing every home abundance, health, and peace in the year ahead.