I extend to all Filipinos living and working in the United Kingdom and Ireland the warmest greetings of the season as we look back on the year about to end and look forward to the year that is about to unfold.

To those of the Christian faith, I wish you and your families a blessed and happy Christmas. May you be filled with peace, hope, and love as we celebrate this joyful season, and may the spirit of Christmas enable all of us to share this happiness with our kababayans, especially those who are vulnerable.

There is a multitude of reasons why we should welcome the New Year with a great sense of optimism. Our country’s economy continues to post significant gains. Our government’s political will and strong sense of purpose have inspired our people, both those who are in diasporas all over the world and those who remain back home, to join in our collective effort to build for our children, and our children’s children, a stable republic, a prosperous country, a patriotic nation, and strong local communities that are free from the scourges of criminality and discord. Let us remain part of this onward journey to a better Philippines even while we are miles away from home.

On our part, the Embassy will continue to explore more ways by which we could deepen and broaden relations between the Philippines and these two countries within our jurisdiction. We will work harder at providing our kababayans the quality of service that they deserve, and we will deliver those services with professionalism founded on a genuine spirit of malasakit. We invite Filipino community organizations and individuals alike to continue their partnership with the Embassy in the coming year.

From my family to you and yours, maligayang Pasko at masaganang Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat.

AMBASSADOR ANTONIO M. LAGDAMEO

Philippine Ambassador to the United Kingdom