President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered all government agencies to scale back Christmas and year-end celebrations, citing the need for fiscal discipline and solidarity with communities still reeling from recent natural disasters.
The directive was formalized through Memorandum Circular No. 110, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on December 15, 2025, by authority of the President. The memorandum covers all national government agencies, including government-owned or controlled corporations as well as state universities and colleges, and calls on local government units to adopt similar measures.
The Palace said the move is intended to ensure prudent use of public funds at a time when government resources must be focused on disaster response, recovery, and essential public services.
“In light of recent natural disasters and calamities in the country, it is necessary to adopt austerity measures during the Christmas season to ensure greater efficiency in public spending,” the memorandum stated.
Under the directive, agencies are instructed to keep Christmas and year-end activities simple and meaningful, avoiding excessive or extravagant expenditures. The order also underscores the administration’s intent to prevent the misuse of government resources while encouraging a culture of simplicity and restraint within the bureaucracy.
Malacañang emphasized that the policy is meant to reflect solidarity with Filipinos affected by calamities, many of whom are still rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.
“All government agencies and instrumentalities are directed to observe austerity in the celebration of the Christmas season and to keep celebrations simple and meaningful,” the circular said, adding that local governments are encouraged to follow the same approach.
The memorandum further reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and careful expenditure management, aligned with the country’s broader socio-economic priorities and ongoing public finance reforms.
MC 110 also cited provisions of Executive Order No. 292, or the Administrative Code of 1987, which mandate that government resources be managed and utilized efficiently, economically, and effectively, and safeguarded against waste, loss, or improper use.
The Palace said the austerity directive is part of a broader effort to ensure that public funds are channeled toward programs and services that directly address the needs of Filipinos, especially in times of crisis.
