Below is the Easter message of President Benigno S. Aquino III to all Noypi Christians:
"This Easter, I am one with the Filipino people in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Out of true compassion and genuine love for all of mankind, he made the ultimate sacrifice, giving his life for the salvation of all.
Jesus’ return from the dead represents the hope that each Filipino has held on to, despite the defeat and suffering brought about by corruption and systemic deceit. And it is clear to anyone with reason that, in the same way that Jesus rose from the dead, our country is rising once more and reclaiming our dignity. Ever since we returned the full strength and power of government to the people, ever since we chose to turn away from a culture of selfishness and impunity, we have been able to carry our nation forward on the straight path to progress.
When before, many of our people were forced to leave our country to improve their lot in life, now they are returning home, sensing the growing number of opportunities in our own shores, and the extraordinary resurgence of our economy.
When before, millions of Filipinos were left in the margins of society, now, through our Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, three million eight hundred thousand of the poorest households have been saved from abject poverty and hunger.
When before, students were forced to make do with the shade provided by trees—now, we expect to erase the backlog of 66,800 classrooms before the end of 2013.
When before, millions of metric tons of rice were imported and then left to rot in warehouses—now, not only is being self-sufficient in rice within reach; becoming an exporter of rice is a possibility.
There is no doubt: by always choosing what is right and by caring for our fellow men, we are following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Now that self-interest is no longer the driving force of government, rather the welfare of the Filipino people, we have saved the country from certain failure, and we are today reaping the fruits of success.
When the Son of God became man, he knew that difficulty and hardship lay ahead of him. He accepted his suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, and he was well aware of the cross he would have to carry. And yet, he chose to face all these, knowing full well that our salvation lay in his hands.
With the example of Christ, our Savior, as our guide, I know that every action we take for the least of our brothers and sisters–every choice to share, every minute that we give to uplift the helpless—is a sacrifice that lessens whatever burdens we carry as a nation.
Helping empowers and liberates not only those in need, but also those who extend their hands. Again and again, we are proving that, by helping one another and by turning away from selfishness, nothing is impossible for the Filipino people.
It is through our collective efforts—by helping each other—that we inspire, paving the way for the progress of all.
To my Bosses, I wish you a happy Easter!"
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