"This Christmas, may you and your families be blessed with abundance, good health, peace of mind, and love. The year has been very difficult but it should not dampen our spirit as a people called to share and celebrate the love of Jesus with others," Sara said in her recorded Christmas message video posted on her official Facebook page on Wednesday night, (Dec.22).
The mayor also called on Filipino families celebrating Christmas to make it a special moment for them to remember the sick, the hungry, those in need, the victims of abuses, children on the streets, the homeless, and those away from their homes and families - soldiers, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and health frontliners.
"Let us not forget the victims and survivors of Typhoon Odette who need our help and prayers as they face loss and despair. Together we can be their source of strength, joy, and hope,” she said.
Early this week, Duterte spearheaded the sent-off ceremony of Dabawenyos' relief assistance to typhoon-stricken areas in Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Dinagat Islands, and Negros Occidental.
The city also sent the rescue and medical teams from City Health Office, Davao City Central 911's Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), Fire Auxiliary Services (FAS), Southern Philippines Medical Center doctors, and social workers from City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to the Municipality of Ubay, Bohol Province, for relief and rescue operations.
"And for our country, let Christmas also be a celebration of peace, healing, and unity," Sara added.
Sara also hopes that 2022 would be a more stable, merrier, and peaceful year for everyone.
Mayor Sara Duterte, together with the families of the NCCC fire victims offered a celebrated mass at San Pedro Cathedral on December 22, 2021.Photo: City Gov’t of Davao