Marcos: Christmas allows us to remember blessings amid struggles

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Saturday said Christmas provides Filipinos with an opportunity to reflect upon their blessings over the past year in the face of the nation's challenges.

Speaking at this year's traditional gift-giving activity in Malacañang, Marcos said Christmas offers a brief yet welcome period to have perspective on the year that was.

"Nagpapasalamat kami na kahit mabigat ang hinaharap natin na mga hamon ay kahit paano mayroon tayong isang kaunting panahon, lalo na kapag Pasko, na kailangan naman nating maalala ang mga suwerte natin sa buhay, ang mga biyaya natin sa nakaraang taon," Marcos said in his speech at the Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya 2025 nationwide gift-giving activity.

(We are thankful that despite being faced with challenges, at least we have a little time, especially at Christmas, when we remember our good fortunes in life, our blessings in the past year.)

Marcos emphasized that the biggest blessing of all is the country's children, whom he described as his administration's reason for serving the people.

"At ang pinakamalaking biyaya (The biggest blessing)… The biggest treasure that we have in the Philippines are these, our children, the future of our country," the President said.

"Kaming mga nagtatrabaho sa pamahalaan, kapag kami nakikita namin kayo, naaalala namin kaya kami nagtatrabaho, hindi para sa sarili namin, kung hindi para sa inyo," he said.

(The reason why we work in government is not for ourselves, but for you, the children of our country. When we see you, we are reminded why we serve.)

"Kaya tumitibay ang loob namin, lumalakas ang loob namin, nagiging kami mas masipag kapag nakikita namin kayo. Kayo ang dahilan sa lahat ng aming ginagawa," Marcos added.

(Our resolve is strengthened, we work harder when we see you. You are the reason for everything we do.)

The President and the First Family led the "Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya 2025" nationwide gift-giving activity at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang.

The President was with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and son Vinny, joined by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Education Secretary Sonny Angara.

Following his speech, Marcos joined and played with children at the event and led the "pabitin" (rack of goodies) game.

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), over 3,000 attendees were welcomed at the event which featured inflatables, games, circus acts, activity booths, and food stalls.

Participants included children from barangays near the Palace, who were given presents during the activity.

Meanwhile, more than 19,000 children are expected to be given presents nationwide through the program.

Now on its fourth year, the Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya program was held simultaneously in 78 DepEd schools and 56 DSWD satellite centers across the country. — Jamil Santos/ VDV, GMA Integrated News