President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on government officials and workers to avoid lavish Christmas celebrations this year, in solidarity with the thousands of Filipinos still reeling from the effects of recent typhoons.
In a statement released on Monday, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin emphasized that there was no need for an official order, as he trusts that government employees “can unilaterally adopt austerity in their celebrations.”
“Alinsunod sa panawagan ng ating Pangulo, hinihikayat namin ang lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan na iwasan ang mga marangyang pagdiriwang ngayong Pasko,” said Bersamin.
“This call is in solidarity with the millions of our countrymen who continue to grieve over lives, homes, and livelihoods lost during the six typhoons that pummeled us in a span of less than a month,” he added.
Bersamin also urged government agencies to consider donating the money saved from holding modest Christmas events to help typhoon victims.
“The true spirit of Christmas implores us to celebrate with compassion, to share our blessings, and to spread cheer. As a people united by love for our fellow men, we can cast away bleakness as we celebrate in this season of joy,” the Executive Secretary said.
“On the part of the government, we will make sure that the Christmas spirit will be felt early by all the affected areas in the form of relief goods and assistance, of infrastructure rebuilt, and of livelihoods restored,” he also said.IMT
