Socio-economic programs, progress in Makati.(Opinion and Editorial)

WE meet here today at a time of great challenges.

The full impact of the economic crisis that has affected the world during the latter part of 2008 is expected to reach our shores this year. We hear predictions of job losses here at home and abroad, of thousands of overseas Filipinos continuing to lose their jobs and coming home to an economy that offers them no viable alternative.

Yet in the face of this major economic calamity, we see the persistence of certain quarters in pushing Charter change, an arrogant and insensitive display of selfish political interest. Surely we need to find ways to address the economy. Sana naman ay dinggin nila ang kanilang sinasabi na ang pagtuunan natin ng pansin ay ang ating ekonomiya, at hindi ang politika.

Still, we Filipinos remain optimistic about our future. Tuwing sasapit ang bagong taon, laging nariyan ang pag-asa ng isang magandang bukas para sa bawa't Pilipino.

We continue to hope that things will get better. We pray for better times, and during these times of difficulties, we need government to inspire confidence, to inspire hope. We need government to do its work properly, to focus with greater determination on improving the people's welfare and helping them weather difficult times.

Dito po sa Makati, laging nagsisikap ang pamahalaang lungsod na tugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan.

We have invested in education, …