President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed all national agencies to observe austerity in Christmas and year-end celebrations, considering the recent natural disasters and calamities in the country.

By the authority of President Marcos, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto issued Memorandum Circular No. 110 on December 15, 2025 directing all national government agencies (NGAs) and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, to observe austerity in the celebration of the Christmas season.

The directive likewise encouraged local government units to adopt similar austerity measures.

“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,” MC 110 stated.

The order also aims to prevent the misuse of government resources, foster a culture of simplicity within the bureaucracy, and support the government’s efforts to prioritize essential programs and services.

“All NGAs and instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are hereby directed, and local government units are hereby encouraged, to observe austerity in the celebration of the Christmas season, and to keep Christmas and year-end celebrations simple and meaningful, in solidarity with all the Filipinos still recovering from recent disasters,” MC 110 directed.

The memorandum added that the administration of President Marcos is committed to promoting fiscal discipline and the judicious use of government resources, consistent with the country’s socio-economic priorities and ongoing expenditure management reforms.

MC 110 cited Executive Order No. 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987, which provides that all government resources shall be managed, expended, or utilized in accordance with relevant laws, rules, and regulations, and safeguarded against loss or wastage through illegal or improper disposition to ensure efficiency, economy, and effectiveness in the operations of government. | PND