Kalayaan Grounds, Malacañan Palace
December 2, 2019

“The Yuletide has always been a festive occasion for Filipinos all over the world. It is a time when we are reminded to be grateful for the many challenges that allowed us to grow better, not as individuals but also as one community,” said President Rodrigo Roa Duterte when he led the ceremonial lighting of the Office of the President (OP) Christmas Tree situated at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañan Palace.

In his speech, President Duterte conveyed his gratitude to the OP employees for their commitment in serving the country with the highest standards of professionalism and expressed his hopes for the event to serve as a reminder “for everyone to continue lighting up the lives of others, especially those who are suffering from poverty and injustice”.

“I look forward to your continuing dedication as my partners in ensuring that our people are able to enjoy the services of an efficient, responsive and progressive government in the years to come,” the President ended.

The said Christmas Tree stands at 40 feet long and is decorated with ornamental stars in blue, red, and white. The ceremonial lighting is an annual event in the Malacañan Palace that marks the beginning of the Christmas season. Aside from the tree, other offices within the complex are also adorned with festive lights and other Yuletide displays.

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