MALACAÑANG on Thursday urged Filipinos to open their hearts and share their blessings this Christmas, as the Philippines continues to deal with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic that has swept the nation since early this year.
Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. made the call as he extended his greetings to Filipinos celebrating the Yuletide season.
“Our country struggles to confront the various challenges that we faced this year. The pandemic and the natural disasters brought fear and sadness but during these difficult times, we heal and recover as one,” Roque said in his Christmas message.
Amid these challenges, Roque noted that “there are silver linings that we can be thankful for. May this Christmas be filled with hope, peace and joy.”
“As we celebrate this season, we call upon all Filipinos to remember to share our blessings to our brothers and sisters who have been badly affected by natural or personal tragedies,” the Palace official said.
“I hope that we give more compassion, understanding and patience to our fellowmen. It is high time that we collectively unite as one nation and one people for a better Philippines,” he added.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar also joined Roque in wishing every Filipino a blessed Christmas, urging them to be always ready to help the less fortunate in emulating the love and selflessness of Jesus.
“Let us also take time from our merrymaking to solemnly reflect and ponder over the lessons and morals we can learn from the Bible about Christ’s birth, and practice the humility, compassion, and kindness Christ has displayed,” Andanar said in a separate statement.
“Let us impart His love and blessings to others through the spirit of bayanihan and by giving to those in need,” he added.
The Palace official then reminded the public to observe the necessary health protocols and minimum health standards during the Yuletide season, in line with the government’s fight against Covid-19, “for us to heal and recover as one nation.”
“This joyous occasion is often spent celebrating with families, loved ones, and friends, but the current situation brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic calls for us to virtually celebrate this holiday season or have our gatherings at a limited capacity,” Andanar said.
“With this, we extend our warmest greetings to all the Filipinos here and around the world as we celebrate Christmas today,” he added.