SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday reiterated the commitment of the House of Representatives to promote peace and unity in the country and to make life better for Filipinos.

Speaker Romualdez made the reiteration during the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony at the House premises in the Batasan Complex in Quezon City, which was attended by members and personnel of the chamber.

“Let tonight’s tree-lighting ceremony stand as a symbol of our continuing commitment. That we, at the House of Representatives as a nation-loving institution, will not waver, that we will remain steadfast in our solemn duty to be shining lights for peace, comfort, security, understanding, and unity for our country,” Speaker Romualdez,

leader of the 300-plus-strong House of Representatives, said.

“Let this be our gift for our countrymen this Christmas,” he said.

Speaker Romualdez told his colleagues and House employees that the nation continues to face challenges, like the bombing in Marawi City and the earthquake in Surigao over the weekend.

“Hindi pa po tapos ang taon. May mga hamon pa din tayong kailangan harapın. Ang trahedya sa Marawi at ang lindol sa Surigao ay ilang paalaala sa atin na hindi pa tapos ang ating gawain,” he said.

He said the weekend tragedies in Mindanao “are stark reminders that our work is not yet done, that the task of bridging divisions, providing security and comfort to our countrymen, and paving the way for enlightened unity continues.”

There is also “creeping darkness across the world – darkness which can only be overcome by brightly-burning lights,” he said.

The Speaker thanked House members and personnel for their support in the promotion of peace and enhanced living conditions for the people.

“Tanggapin po ninyo ang taos-pusong pasasalamat ng inyong linkod sa inyong pakiisa sa adhikain nating ito ngayong taon. Dahil sa inyo at sa katapatan ng Maykapal, ako ay puno ng pag-asa na makakamit din natin ang ating hangarin na pambansang pag-unlad sa mas lalong madaling panahon,” he said.

“Dalangin ko po na ang ating magandang samahan patungo sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan ay magpapatuloy pa din sa darating na panahon,” he said.

He said he and his colleagues have accomplished much during the year that is about to end.

“Parang kailan lang mula noong magsimula ang taon. Ilang araw pa at panibagong taon na naman. Sa gitna ng panahon na ito, marami tayong mga hamong pinagdaanan. Sa biyaya ng Maykapal, marami naman din ang mga suliranin na ating napagtagumpayan,” he added.

“Therefore, it is only fitting that we remember and thank the Creator for His goodness, which has given us strength to overcome past challenges, while we strive to further improve the situation of even more of our countrymen,” he stressed.