MANILA - President Aquino on Tuesday said 2013 has been a difficult year for the Philippines but said the government will not give up in overcoming these challenges. Speaking before the Bulong Pulungan, Aquino admitted that the nation is still hurting after being hit by both natural and man-made calamities including a killer earthquake, a super typhoon and a siege by Moro rebels in a southern city. "Palagay ko po isa lang ang maipagmamalaki ko, hindi tayo makararating at hindi sasabihin ng inyong gobyerno na sumuko," he said. He said he is proud to be the leader of a people who is unbowed by calamity. The President praised soldiers in the Zamboanga City siege who faced off Moro rebels who were heavily armed with recoilless rifles. He also praised Philippine Air Force personnel who brought soldiers to Tacloban City despite the inclement weather brought by super typhoon Yolanda, just to open the Tacloban airport. He also praised Cabinet members who worked tirelessly to face these challenges despite severe criticism from some quarters. ANC, December 3, 2013
