PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday urged Filipinos to set aside “trial and tribulations” that they and the country experienced in this “tough” past year, and instead focus their time this holiday season on celebrating and enjoying Christmas with their loved ones.
The President, during the Christmas tree lighting ceremonies at the Kalayaan grounds in Malacañang, said everyone deserves this Christmas season especially after the rough year that included the recent “six typhoons that we suffered in twenty-three days.”
“We are Filipinos, we always stand up. And why not? After all, it is the time to celebrate, to be with our loved ones, to put the — the trials and tribulations that we have been through in the past year — put them to one side, we will come back to them. But put them to one side for just a little bit. And, enjoy the benefits of family, their affection, and all that comes with Christmas,” he said.
Marcos, however, asked Filipinos to also think of those who suffered during the recent storms and even the recent fire especially as many of them are still in shelters and still in need.
“All of these disasters — like I just came and saw some victims of fires — all of these people, let’s just keep them in mind and do what Filipinos do. Let’s help each other. And my Christmas wish is that despite everything… every Filipino should feel somehow Christmas,” he said.
During the event, the President had also conferred award to three winners of the National Parol-Making Competition “Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin” by the Office of the President, Office of the Social Secretary, and Department of Education.
The three lanterns were included in the giant Christmas tree that the First Couple lighted.
Malacañang will again open its doors to the public for the annual pre-dawn “Simbang Gabi” from December 16 to 24 despite the current political developments, including what the Marcos administration considered as an active threat to the lives of the First Couple.
Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo-Tantoco said the Simbang Gabi and other Christmas celebration-related activities are part of the “Tara sa Palasyo” activities that was re-started by the Marcos administration.
“We have Tara sa Palasyo, which opens on December 16. We open our gates to the public. Anybody can come here. We have Simbang Gabi from the 16th to the 24th at 4 a.m.,” Arroyo-Tantoco said.
She said there are also free carnival rides “for anybody who wants to come to the Palace,” along with some stalls that sell affordable food items and other products.
The Marcos administration re-opened the Kalayaan Grounds of Malacañang to the public, organizing games and rides for children and providing free Christmas food delicacies, similar to the practice of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos and then First Lady Imelda Marcos.
Among those who attended the tree lighting ceremony were Senators Koko Pimentel and Mark Villar, Executive Secretary Eduardo Año, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, Agriculture Secretary Tiu Laurel, Environment Secretary Antonio Yulo-Loyzaga and former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
Former Senator Manuel Roxas II and his family also attended the ceremony along with several business leaders.
Asked if Vice President Sara Duterte was invited, Arroyo-Tantoco said everyone in the government was invited.
The event featured performances by well-known artists in the country led by the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, Jose Marie Chan and Carla Guevara-Laforteza.
