Marcos calls for frugal Christmas, New Year celebrations

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed all national government agencies to adopt austerity measures for Christmas and year-end celebrations in light of recent natural disasters and calamities that have affected the country.

By the authority of the President, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto issued Memorandum Circular 110 on December 15, directing all national government agencies (NGAs) and instrumentalities to implement simpler, more restrained holiday observances.

The directive also covers government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges.

"(Government agencies are directed) to keep Christmas and year-end celebrations simple and meaningful, in solidarity with all Filipinos still recovering from recent disasters,” the circular said.

While recognizing the autonomy they enjoyed, Malacañang encouraged local government units to adopt 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,” the circular stated.

The order seeks to prevent misuse of government resources, promote a culture of simplicity within the bureaucracy, and support the government’s efforts to prioritize essential programs and services.

The circular said the Marcos administration remains committed to fiscal discipline and the prudent use of government resources, aligned with the country’s socio-economic priorities and ongoing expenditure management reforms.

MC 110 invoked Executive Order No. 292, or the Administrative Code of 1987, which mandates that all government resources be managed, expended, and utilised according to relevant laws, rules, and regulations, and safeguarded against loss or wastage to ensure efficiency, economy, and effectiveness in government operations.—MCG, GMA Integrated News