President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Sunday, Dec. 24, urged Filipinos to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas which is reaching out to those who are in need.
In his Christmas message released by the Malacañang Palace, Marcos said Filipinos celebrate the birth of Christ on Dec. 25 through the traditional simbang-gabi or the nine-day masses, gift-giving, and feast with family and friends.
“But more than just a way of celebration, let us be reminded that the true meaning of Christmas lies in the recognition of the season as an opportunity to reach out to those who are suffering from solitude, sickness, and poverty,” he added.
'THERE IS NO BETTER WAY FOR US TO SHARE THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS THAN BY SPREADING HOPE'
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) December 24, 2023
BASAHIN: Narito ang Christmas message ni Pang. Ferdinand 'Bongbong Marcos' sa mga Pilipino. | via Leth Narciso, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/6lMJlc5C1h
The President underscored that “there is no better way for us to share the gift of Christmas than by spreading hope.”
Marcos also encourages everyone to embody goodwill, kindness, and compassion while spreading merriment in homes and communities.
"By doing so, we do not only bring peace, love, and unity, but become living instruments of the timeless adage that God's work here on earth is truly our own. Isang Maligayang Pasko sa ating lahat!" he furthered.
Marcos also post video message post on his X (formerly Twitter) account wherein he emphasizes importance of giving thanks to the Lord.
"Sa panahong ito, ramdam na ramdam natin ang lahat ng biyaya at bunga ng pagsisikap mula sa nakaraang taon. Lagi tayong magpasalamat sa Poong Maykapal, sa lahat ng kabutihan na pinagkaloob sa atin. Buksan natin ang ating mga puso at tahanan, at ipadama ang pagmamahal at saya sa ating mga kababayan, lalong-lalo na sa lubos na nangangailangan," he said.
"Nawa ay isabuhay din natin ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko sa pamamagitan ng pag-unawa, kalinga, at pagtulong sa kapwa," the President added.
Ngayong Pasko, buksan natin ang ating mga puso at tahanan, at ipadama ang pagmamahal at saya sa ating mga kababayan, lalong lalo na sa lubos na nangangailangan.
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) December 24, 2023
Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat! pic.twitter.com/Fou8QRptok
The Chief Executive had declared Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 a special non-working holiday.
According to Marcos, declaring Dec. 26 as a holiday would allow Filipinos to spend more time with their loved ones and families after Christmas.
