AMB. MANUEL M. LOPEZThe challenges experienced globally in the year 2022 are expected to continue into 2023. These include the tightness in the global supply of natural gas and other commodities stemming from a prolonged war between Ukraine and Russia.

While the Philippine economy has shown resilience, with gross domestic product growing by 7.6% in the third quarter of the year, we can expect interest rates to increase further as the monetary authorities try to keep inflation in check.
In the Lopez Group, we recognize the many risks facing our businesses. Many of these risks are really beyond our control. However, we remain focused on pursuing our strategic initiatives, building on our internal strengths and finding partners with whom we can synergize through various forms of joint ventures and alliances.
Our hope this Christmas and in the coming year is that all of us will persevere to ensure that our customers and families will continue to receive the good value, high quality of services and products, and excellent care that they have come to expect from our companies. Only by working together can we move forward in a sustainable way.
I appeal to you once again to remember the less privileged, especially the youth whom we need to educate for them to be aware of our nation’s history and avoid repeating mistakes of the past. If we accept that the youth is the hope of our Motherland, then let us help them to dream and to become productive members of society.
Our hope remains always in the goodwill of our fellowmen, and let us be first in showing such goodwill through sincere and concrete solidarity with those in need.
In behalf of my wife Maritess, our children and grandchildren, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
MABUHAY KAYO, MGA KAPAMILYA!
AMB. MANUEL M. LOPEZ