MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed all national government agencies to observe austerity in Christmas and year-end celebrations in light of recent natural disasters and calamities in the country.

By the authority of the President, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 110 on December 15, 2025, directing all national government agencies (NGAs) and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, to adopt austerity measures during the Christmas season.

The directive also encouraged local government units to implement similar measures.

“In light of recent natural disasters and calamities in the country, it is necessary to adopt austerity measures during the Christmas season to ensure greater efficiency in public spending,” MC 110 stated.

According to the memorandum, the order aims to prevent the misuse of government resources, promote simplicity within the bureaucracy, and support the government’s efforts to prioritize essential programs and services.

“All NGAs and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are hereby directed, and local government units are hereby encouraged, to observe austerity in the celebration of the Christmas season, and to keep Christmas and year-end celebrations simple and meaningful, in solidarity with all the Filipinos still recovering from recent disasters,” the circular read.

MC 110 added that the Marcos administration remains committed to fiscal discipline and the prudent use of government resources, in line with the country’s socio-economic priorities and ongoing expenditure management reforms.

The memorandum cited Executive Order No. 292, or the Administrative Code of 1987, which mandates that government resources be managed and utilized in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations, and safeguarded against loss or wastage to ensure efficiency, economy, and effectiveness in government operations.