Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte assured residents that the local government is committed to helping all families in need, emphasizing that the essence of holiday celebrations should remain centered on loved ones, no matter how a family is defined.

In her Christmas message, Belmonte said, ”Sa kabila ng komersyalismo, ang pamilya pa rin ang sentro ng Paskong Pilipino (Despite commercialization, family remains the heart of the Filipino Christmas). Christmas is for the family, no matter how one defines family."

The mayor acknowledged that modern families now come in many forms, with some being headed by a single man or a single woman.

“Nandiyan ang traditional family composed of parents and their children (There is the traditional family composed of parents and their children). There are families anchored by a grandparent or two, caring for their grandchildren whose parents are working abroad,” she said.

She added that others are called blended or stepfamilies, which are two families joined by love.

“Then there are families led by two men or two women. There are families made up of friends,” she also explained.

Belmonte shared that this year, the local government helped long-time couples by facilitating their documentation and provided LGBTQIA+ couples the right to make medical decisions for their partners in times of need.

It also responded to calls from parents abroad who needed help in providing guidance to their children living in the city.

“This Christmas season, no matter where we are coming from, may we all find our way back to our family and rekindle the love we have for each other,” she said, noting that family provides strength and inspiration to help overcome everyday challenges.