For President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., unity has enabled Filipinos to go through and survive many of the challenges that befell them, including the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking during “Pangkabuhayan at Pamaskong Handog ng Pangulo at Unang Ginang sa Sambayanang Pilipino” at the Open Amphitheater in Rizal Park, Manila, Marcos expressed belief that the country could weather the present challenges if Filipinos unite and work together.
The Chief Executive said this as he distributed Christmas gifts and livelihood support to children and families in Metro Manila.
“Kaya’t kailangan naman, lahat sinasabi ko, kahit papaano kahit na naghihirap tayo ngayon, kahit mayroon pa rin pandemya nang konti, ‘yung ekonomiya ay dahan-dahan pa lang bumabalik at kahit papaano ay nakakaraos pa rin tayo, ngunit hindi mangyayari ‘yun kung hindi po tayo magtulungan (That’s why we need, I say to all, even though we face hardships, even if there is still a pandemic, the economy is slowly recovering and we are surviving, but this will not happen if we will not help each other),” Marcos said.
He added that Filipinos faced and survived the challenges because of their resiliency and strength.
The President directed the organization of the event so children could feel the spirit of Christmas by assisting their families because he said that Christmas is for children.
Through the gift-giving event, Marcos said families could have some respite during the holidays and feel that there’s a brighter future despite the present challenges.
“So gumawa kami ng kaunting event, ng ganito para naman masabi natin sana naman ay lahat ng Pilipino makaramdam ng Christmas spirit, makaramdam ng Pasko at kahit papaano, ay makikita natin na ang kinabukasan ay magiging mas maliwanag kaysa pinagdaanan natin (So we did this small event, so all Filipinos can feel the Christmas spirit, they can feel Christmas, and we can see that the future will be brighter than what we’ve been through),” he noted.
READ: Marcos says Filipinos’ wellbeing is his top concern
Marcos again invited the public to go to Malacañang for the Simbang Gabi and Christmas Tree and parol viewing after he announced the opening of the Palace grounds to the public.
Marcos said he is sure children will be happy and the guests can partake the food they served.
Some 400 children and 574 individuals and families, including several members of indigenous people (IP) groups, received Christmas gifts from the President during the event.
Spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the “Pangkabuhayan at Pamaskong Handog ng Pangulo at Unang Ginang sa Sambayanang Pilipino” caravan intended to provide aid to street dwellers and IP beneficiaries.
Each adult beneficiary received six kilograms of rice, other grocery items, hygiene kits and cash assistance from the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.
On the other hand, each child beneficiary received food packs and gift packs with toys and books.
Dubbed “Tara sa Palasyo,” the President ordered the opening of the Palace grounds to the public on Dec. 18 until Dec. 24, from 7 p.m up to 6 a.m. the next day.
From the evening of Dec. 20 until 4 a.m. of Dec. 21, at least 2,116 individuals have already seen the Christmas displays and attended the Simbang Gabi held every 4:30 a.m. in front of the Mabini Hall.
Those visiting Malacañang can enter the Palace grounds through Gate 6.