President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Malacañan Palace on Sunday night, urging Filipinos to reflect on the true spirit of the season while the country continues its recovery efforts from recent natural disasters.

“I ask all of you to hold a thought for those who are still recovering from the six typhoons we faced, in just twenty-three days. Many are still in need and this is the time for us to help one another,” Marcos said during the ceremony.

The President’s message underscored the importance of unity, particularly as parts of the country are still grappling with the aftermath of typhoons that caused widespread damage in late November.

“My Christmas wish is that every Filipino, despite the challenges we face, feels the joy of the holiday season—even for a brief moment,” Marcos added, reminding the nation to find joy and peace amid hardship.

During the program, the President also conferred awards to the top three winners of the National Parol-Making Competition, dubbed “Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin.” The event was organized by the Office of the President, the Office of the Social Secretary, and the Department of Education.

This year’s competition featured 148 Christmas lanterns created by various public secondary schools. It aimed to showcase the warmth of “Paskong Pinoy” and the hope in “Bagong Pilipinas.”

The program also included performances by renowned Filipino artists, including Jose Mari Chan, The Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, and Carla Guevara-Laforteza, adding to the festive atmosphere of the evening.