President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (MALACAÑANG PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — On Sunday, Christmas Day, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to revel in the holiday with “simplicity, sense, and meaning.”
“Let our spirits not dwell on the adornments that we display, on the buzz and activities we create, nor on the lack thereof,” he said in his message. “Instead, let us partake in this holiday with the same simplicity, sense, and meaning that we get from it.”
“It is this pure and simple love that Christmas represents. Across beliefs, all the generosity and goodwill stirred in this season are welcomed. Surely, embracing these will help us overcome the difficulties brought by the pandemic and other challenges,” he added.
Marcos urged the public to freely offer their smiles, share conversation and impart wisdom to friends, family, loved ones, and even strangers.
“Let our affection be known and felt in the simplest of ways so that the eternal message of the Nativity of Christ may again spark hope for a brighter future in the hearts of all,” he said. “I wish everyone a Christmas full of love, compassion, and hopeful beginnings.”
To allow Filipinos to have more time with their families during the holidays, Marcos has declared Dec. 26, which falls on a Monday, as a special non-working day.
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