PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday directed government agencies to ensure the spirit of Christmas reaches Filipino communities despite the recent climate challenges that caused loss of lives and properties.
In his speech during the gift-giving activity at the Malacañang grounds, President Marcos assured the public his administration is committed to making Christmas memorable, even in the face of environmental challenges such as El Niño, La Niña, and the recent typhoons that impacted the country.
“Nahirapan tayo nitong nakaraang taon. Tinamaan tayo ng kuna anu-ano. Nag-umpisa sa El Niño. Nag tag-tuyot ang ating agrikultura tapos sinundan naman ng La Niña na puro bagyo naman,” President Marcos said.
“Sana naman ay mag Merry Christmas lang tayo. Kasi tayo’y nabigyan ng kaunting oras, kaunting pagkakataon na makasama ang ating mga mahal sa buhay, makapag-celebrate ng kaunti, mag-saya ng kaunti, at kumain ng masyadong maraming lechon at saka mga hamon. Iyan ang pasko para sa Pilipino,” he added.
President Marcos urged Filipinos to continue embracing the traditions of Christmas, emphasizing the importance of joy and togetherness during the holiday season.
Before concluding his speech, President Marcos extended his gratitude to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for their dedication in ensuring the spirit of Christmas is felt by Filipinos, especially in the face of adversity.
President Marcos, alongside First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos and their sons Joseph Simon and William Vincent, led this year’s “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3: A Nationwide Gift-Giving Day” at the Malacañang grounds on Sunday.
The event brought joy to more than 30,000 children nationwide.
The gift-giving activity, initiated by the Office of the President in 2022, is conducted in partnership with the DSWD, private orphanages and communities nationwide to spread the joy of Christmas to those who have less in life.
This year’s event involved 17 local government units from Metro Manila and three LGUs from the Visayas and Mindanao, further emphasizing the nationwide reach of the initiative.
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