MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has advised government agencies and offices to avoid holding grand or lavish Christmas parties this year as a gesture of solidarity with those affected by the series of typhoons that recently ravaged parts of the country.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the directive is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to exemplify the spirit of Christmas by supporting those who have suffered losses due to the calamities.

“Alinsunod sa panawagan ng ating Pangulo, hinihikayat namin ang lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan na iwasan ang mga marangyang pagdiriwang ngayong Pasko,” Bersamin said in a statement. 

“This call is in solidarity with the millions of our countrymen who continue to grieve over lives, homes, and livelihoods lost during the six typhoons that pummeled us in less than a month,” he said.

Luzon and parts of the Visayas are still grappling with the aftermath of the record six consecutive typhoons that struck the archipelago since October 21, bringing heavy rains and destructive winds.

Bersamin noted that no formal written guidance is required, as the government trusts that public sector employees will voluntarily adopt a more modest approach to their celebrations. Instead, he encouraged agencies to redirect any savings from scaled-down parties to support relief efforts for communities in need.

“The true spirit of Christmas implores us to celebrate with compassion, to share our blessings, and to spread cheer,” Bersamin said.

 “As a people united by love for our fellow men, we can cast away bleakness as we celebrate in this season of joy,” he said

He also assured Filipinos that the “Christmas spirit will be felt early” through the government’s ongoing relief and recovery efforts.

“Tuloy pa rin ang pagdiriwang ng Pasko, kasama ang ating mga kababayang nasalanta ng mga sunod-sunod na kalamidad,” Bersamin said, assuring that Christmas celebrations will continue with affected communities receiving support.