Malacañang on Friday reminded government agencies and local government units to keep their Christmas celebrations simple amid ongoing economic and environmental challenges. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said existing austerity measures remain in place, emphasizing the need to prioritize public concerns over lavish celebrations. The reminder reinforces President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 2025 directive requiring government offices to hold modest Christmas parties following natural calamities. The country continues to face rising oil prices and the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to bring dry spells until the first half of 2027.