Hinikayat ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ang mga Pilipino na pahalagahan ang kanilang oras kasama ang kanilang mga pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay sa panahon ng Kapaskuhan.

Sinabi ito ni Marcos sa kaniyang talumpati nang pangunahan niya ang pagpapailaw ng Christmas tree sa Malacañang nitong Sabado ng gabi, Nobyembre 25.

"In this season of reflection, let us treasure the time we get to spend with our families and loved ones – especially the children, for whom Christmas holds true magic," pahayag ni Marcos.

Binanggit din ng pangulo kung paanong kilala umano ang mga Pilipino sa masaya at mahabang pagdiriwang ng Kapaskuhan mula pa lamang sa buwan ng Setyembre.

“Christmas in the Philippines — we have gained the reputation around the world for celebrating Christmas with more fervor than most other countries. And I think that is a good thing because I think all of us Filipinos, we take Christmas as a time for reflection and a time for — to spend with your friends, your family, your loved ones and, of course, to watch the children because as far as I’m concerned, Christmas is really for the children,” ani Marcos.

“And so, we watch the children and it brings us — the innocence that they bring to these festivities really… The expression I’m tempted to use is it blows out the cobwebs in your brain and in your heart and gives you a fresh start for the next year.”

“So, I’m very, very happy to welcome you all here and to get the Christmas – the formal. Kasi Pilipinas, September pa lang may Christmas carol na sa radyo. But with the formal start of the Yuletide season and I suppose what is left now is for me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas,” saad pa niya.