President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday urged Filipinos to help those recovering from the effects of consecutive tropical cyclones and the recent fires as the Christmas season nears.
During the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Malacañang Palace, Marcos said he wished for every Filipino to “feel somehow Christmas.”
“It is a joyful time for all the Filipinos. But as we celebrate, I would like, is to ask you to hold a thought for all those people who up to now are trying to recover from the effects of the six typhoons that we suffered in twenty-three days. Many of them are still in the shelters. Many of them are still in need,” Marcos said during his speech.
“And all of these disasters, like I just came and saw some victims of fires. All of these people, let’s just keep them in mind and do what Filipinos do. Let’s help each other,” he added.
Since October, six tropical cyclones have entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility consecutively, namely: Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, Ofel, and Pepito.
Over 4.316 million people were affected by Nika, Ofel, and Pepito, according to the latest report National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.
The report also logged P5.9 billion worth of agricultural damage due to the effects of Nika, Ofel, and Pepito.
A massive fire broke out in Isla Puting Bato in Tondo, Manila.
Meanwhile, at the same event, the winners of the National Parol-Making Competition ‘Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin’ were also announced.
Of the 148 Christmas lanterns, Pedro V. Panaligan Memorial National High School won first place. They received P1 million, P500,000 for their school, and other non-cash prizes.
Panabo City National High School placed second and won P500,000, P300,000 for their school, and other non-cash prizes.
The third place was awarded to the Roxas City School for Philippine Craftsmen, who won P300,000, P200,000 for their school, and other non-cash prizes.
Filipino artists such as Jose Mari Chan, the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, and Carla Guevara-Laforteza performed during the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA Integrated News
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