President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called on Filipinos to welcome the Chinese New Year with courage, discipline, and purposeful action, drawing inspiration from the symbolic energy of the Fire Horse.
In his holiday message, Marcos emphasized the importance of balancing speed with focus:
“Momentum can be energizing, but direction is what truly delivers results.”
He encouraged citizens to move swiftly when necessary but with measured care when it matters most, underscoring that progress requires both urgency and prudence.
Marcos also highlighted the need to safeguard essentials such as fair opportunities and reliable public services while boosting productivity, strengthening value chains, and building communities that support the vulnerable.
He framed the celebration as a moment for renewal, urging Filipinos to align personal, community, and national efforts toward growth and prosperity.
“Across generations, we have come to see prosperity as something we cultivate: built by everyday work, guided by discipline, and multiplied when it creates jobs and supports initiatives that hold our people together,” he said.
Drawing from the symbolism of the Fire Horse and Fire element, Marcos noted that real progress depends on practical action:
“The Horse is often read as a sign of movement, courage, and forward motion, while the Fire element suggests a spark that refuses to settle for the usual pace. It progresses when Filipinos show up for work, when households make every peso count with prudence and good judgment, and when government and industries keep the country growing through consistent service, sound decisions, and the rigor that turns daily effort into long-term growth.”
To mark the occasion, Marcos declared February 17 as a special non-working holiday, underscoring the importance of celebration alongside reflection and purposeful action in building a more prosperous “Bagong Pilipinas.”