President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called on the public to nurture the ideas of compassion, kindness, and reconciliation as he wished the country a happy and meaningful Christmas.
“Once again, it is the time of the year where we honor, gather our families and friends to celebrate the nativity of Jesus, share life’s many blessings and demonstrate our love and gratitude for each other,” he said in his Christmas message.
“As we take part in this joyous occasion, may we contemplate on the worth of the lessons that we can learn from the narrative of Christ’s birth,” he added, urging the Filipino people to embrace the spirit of shared humanity.
“Together let us bring hope and peace in our nation this Yuletide season as we welcome the coming year with much hope and optimism,” he said.
On Friday, the Palace said that Duterte will again be spending Christmas in his home in Davao City.
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo also said the President will visit sick children in Davao hospitals, a practice he started two years ago.
Duterte has spent Christmas in his hometown for three consecutive years.
“That has always been the style of the President–to visit the handicapped. He’ll be there. You know the President is very soft-hearted to the handicaps, special children, and cancer patients,” he said.
“There you will see his compassion, he shed tears every time.”
In a speech during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the Palace grounds, Duterte emphasized the importance of observing Christmas.
“During this time of the year, few more sights evoke more feelings of cheer and goodwill and the bright lights of our Christmas tree. Gathering around this iconic symbol that gives us a chance to reflect on the lessons of the past year, and makes us hopeful for the new year ahead,” he said.
“As you look forward to spend time with your loved ones during the holidays, may you be filled with warmth, happiness, peace in your hearts,” he added.
As a bonus this Yuletide season, Duterte had ordered his officials to facilitate the giving of P50,000 worth of Christmas bonuses to employees of the Office of the President.