Every Filipino deserves to celebrate and feel Christmas after a tough year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Sunday.
At the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony of the Office of the President (OP) at Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañan Palace, Manila, the President called on the public to “hold a thought” for all those who are still reeling from the effects of recent typhoons.
“My Christmas wish is that despite everything, every Filipino should somehow feel Christmas. Because after all, no matter how many typhoons they throw at us, no matter how many problems are thrown at us, there’s nothing that will quench the Christmas spirit in the Filipino heart,” Marcos said.
“In very child, man, woman Filipino, hindi mo na matatanggal sa Pilipinas ‘yan. And rightly so, we all deserve Christmas. It’s been a tough year,” he added.
Lantern-making competition
During the program, the President also conferred awards to the winners of the National Parol-Making Competition dubbed, “Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin,” by the OP, Office of the Social Secretary (SoSec) and Department of Education (DepEd).
This year’s competition gathered 148 Christmas lanterns created by various public secondary schools.
The first prize was awarded to Pedro V. Panaligan Memorial National High School, while the second prize went to Panabo City National High School. The third prize was won by Roxas City School for Philippine Craftsmen.
Another event highlight was the performances by well-known artists in the country, including Jose Mari Chan and The Alice Reyes Dance Philippines. (PNA)