CEBU City officials have y called on all departments, offices, and barangays to forgo lavish Christmas and year-end parties this year.

This aligns local government practices with Malacañang’s directive for modest celebrations amid the country’s recent string of calamities.

Minority Floor Leader Councilor Sisinio Andales authored the resolution, which the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved this week, urging the entire Cebu City Government to demonstrate compassion and responsible governance during the holiday season.

The measure cites President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive, issued through Malacañang, reminding all government agencies to observe simplicity in holiday activities as a show of solidarity with families still reeling from disasters.

The resolution notes that the Philippines has endured multiple major calamities in recent months, including destructive earthquakes in the Visayas and Mindanao and the deadly impact of Typhoons Tino and Uwan, which caused widespread flash floods, landslides, and loss of life.

In previous statements, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the call for simple celebrations forms part of the administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” initiative, which emphasizes compassion, prudence, and unity among public servants.

“President Marcos and the DBM remind all government agencies to keep Christmas and yearend celebrations simple and meaningful,” Castro earlier said.

Under the approved resolution, Cebu City departments and barangays are urged to:

Refrain from holding extravagant or lavish Christmas and year-end events;

Ensure any holiday activities remain modest, respectful, and aligned with public service values;

Consider redirecting resources toward assistance for calamity victims and community resilience programs; and

Promote awareness among public employees about practicing compassion and mindfulness during the holiday season.

The Office of Civil Defense recently reported over 60 deaths and more than 20 people still missing due to Typhoon Tino alone.(TGP)

• Tags
• #Cebu City
• #Christmas 2025
• #year-end parties
• #Sangguniang Panlungsod resolution
• #Councilor Sisinio Andales
• #local government
• #Malacañang directive
• #President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
• #disaster-affected families
• #earthquakes
• #Typhoons Tino and Uwan
• #flash flood