The mayor of Puerto Galera has ordered all municipal government offices to cancel their Christmas and year-end parties, heeding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for austerity measures in solidarity with victims of recent calamities.

Mayor Robinhood Ylagan issued Memorandum No. 20, Series of 2025, directing all department heads and sub-office heads to refrain from conducting Christmas celebrations using public funds.

Earlier, Pres. Marcos had called on government agencies to observe ethical standards and avoid using public funds for festivities during this period of national hardship.

“In lieu of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to observe austerity measures in Christmas or year end parties, not to use public funds and that ethical standards must be followed to show solidarity with earthquake and typhoon victims across the country,” Mayor Ylagan’s memorandum says.

Ylagan called for responsible spending and unity with fellow Filipinos currently experiencing hardships from natural disasters.

“The true spirit of Christmas implores us to celebrate with compassion, to share our blessings and to spread cheer,” the memorandum reads, while noting the directive requires “strict compliance.”

The mayor encouraged officials to focus on compassion, care and sharing blessings which he believes as values that reflect the true spirit of Christmas.