Malacañang issued a memorandum directing all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, and encouraging local government units (LGUs) to observe “austerity” in the celebration of the Christmas season.
Dated December 15, Memorandum Circular 110 cited the need to keep Christmas and year-end celebrations “simple and meaningful, in solidarity with all the Filipinos still recovering from recent disasters.”
“Whereas, 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, prevent the misuse of government resources, promote a culture of simplicity in the bureaucracy, and support the government’s efforts to prioritize essential programs and services,” the memorandum read.
Heads of agencies are likewise directed to ensure the strict implementation of all relevant laws, rules, and regulations governing the “judicious and prudent use of government funds.”
Notably, the Philippines previously recorded a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu and consecutive tropical cyclones, Typhoon “Tino” (international name: Kalmaegi) and Super Typhoon “Uwan” (Fung-wong).
