President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. —PNA photo
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. enjoined the public to “live a life of meaning and purpose” as the faithful celebrated Christmas Day on Wednesday.
“As Filipinos take this highly anticipated chance to come home, reconnect with loved ones, and relish the blessings of the past year, I call on everyone to reflect on what is truly important: living a life of meaning and purpose,” Marcos said in a statement.
READ: ‘Every Filipino deserves Christmas’ – Marcos
Marcos also said this day is the moment the faithful could feel the presence of God “in its nearest and most intimate form” as he urged the public to “emulate the light” that led the wise men to the Lord.
“While it heralds the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior, it also marks the moment we experience the presence of God in its nearest and most intimate form, evoking gratitude, kindness, and happiness to one and all. This makes both the celebration and significance of Christmas transcend the constraints of religion, extending its invitation of joy and thanksgiving to everyone no matter their background,” Marcos said.
“In our endeavor to build a Bagong Pilipinas, let us then emulate the light that led the wise men to meet the infant in the manger so others may see and experience the hope that the Lord Almighty freely offers to us all,” he added.
Malacañang Palace also marked the celebration of Christmas by opening its doors to the public.
Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo Tantoco said about 3,000 visitors on average troop to the Kalayaan Grounds, where free rides were given to the public until Monday.
“The President has always told us that this is something that he remembers that his parents used to do, invite children and the community to Malacanang,” Tantoco said in an ambush interview on Monday.
“He wants to continue that because Christmas is for family; it’s for kids,” she said. “That’s why [there] are carnival rides so that the children can really enjoy Christmas.”