Merry Christmas! Vol. 36 No. 312
December 25, 2022
2 SECTIONS 8 PAGES
20 .00
IN MET R MANILAO
A CHILD IS BORN.
A belen depicting the Nativity scene is on display at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila on Christmas Eve. Norman Cruz
‘Keep COVID out of X’mas’ Palace, hospital group remind public to celebrate with health protocols A Blessed Christmas To All My warmest greetings to Filipinos all over the country and the world as we celebrate the blessed day of Christmas. The story of Christ’s birth has become an integral part of our culture and, every year, we have become more accustomed to commemorating this day with gatherings, thanksgiving, and merrymaking. No matter the evolution of its observance, it is imperative that we emphasize the true essence of this holiday – love. It is this pure and simple love that Christmas represents – the same one that we constantly desire and need – that allows it to be more than just a Christian tradition. Across beliefs, all the generosity and goodwill stirred in this season are CONTINUED ON 3A
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ALACAÑANG on Saturday called on the public to continue following minimum public health standards to ensure safe Christmas and New Year celebrations. In a Facebook post, the Office of the Press Secretary warned COVID-19 remains a threat to public health. This developed as the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPI) on Saturday said hospitals are prepared for the possible increase in COVID-19 cases following the detection of four Omicron subvariant BF.7 cases in the country. “This Christmas, consider the safety of everyone, including our family and friends, amid our continuing fight against COVID-19,” the OPS said. “While the restrictions on gatherings have been further eased, adhering to health protocols will still be a big help in ensuring our good health as we celebrate Christmas and New Year.” The OPS urged continuous wearing of face masks, regular washing of hands, social distancing, ensuring good air flow and getting vaccinated against COVID-19. CONTINUED ON 3A
Isang Makabuluhang Pasko Hangad ko na maging makabuluhan ang ating selebrasyon ng Pasko sa kabila ng mga pagsubok na dumarating sa ating buhay, at sana ay magpatuloy tayo sa pagiging matatag para sa ating mga sarili, para sa ating mga pamilya, at para sa ating bansa. Magkakasama tayo sa pagdiriwang ng kapanganakan ni Hesus. Magkakaiba man ang ating prinsipyo, paniniwala, at pamumuhay, pinagkakaisa naman tayo ng pananampalataya, mithiin, pangarap at pagmamahal sa isa’t isa. Maligayang Pasko sa inyong lahat! Nawa magkaroon ang lahat ng mapayapa, masaya, maunlad at manigong bagong taon.
WONDERFUL X’MAS GIFT. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. proudly displays his Gold Play Button award from YouTube.
Pasko Ng Pagkakaisa Natin Sa lahat ng pagsubok na hinarap natin ngayong taon, ito na po ang panahon para buhaying muli ang ating pag-asa at pagkakaisa. At dasal ko po na magkaroon tayong lahat ng isang maligayang Pasko kasama ang ating mga pamilya! Merry Christmas, and God bless you all!
Peace And Goodwill Wishes With my wife Yedda and my family, I offer to all our best wishes as we celebrate the Christmas holidays with our loved ones. In our festivities, let us remember the real reason for our celebration: the birth of our Savior, born in a humble manger over 2000 years ago, who brought love and hope into the world with His simple message of peace on Earth and goodwill to all mankind. Let us also give thanks that after three years of having to deal with the restrictions arising from the coronavirus pandemic, we can now celebrate and experience the joy of the Yuletide Season with a little more degree of freedom and openness. I pray that we all share the blessing we receive this Christmas and offer a generous hand to those who need our help. Let us help brighten the lives of those whose Christmas may not be as glowing and as cheerful as ours. CONTINUED ON 3A
PBBM receives YouTube’s Gold Play Button award It’s ‘no work, no pay’ policy PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has received his own Gold Play Button award from YouTube, which he described as “a wonderful Christmas present.” In a Facebook post, Mr. Marcos thanked his followers for helping him reach a wider audience on his various social media accounts, including
YouTube. The Gold Play Button is given to content creators surpassing the 1 million subscribers mark. Mr. Marcos currently has more than 2.7 million subscribers on his official YouTube account.
"I have long been waiting for this," the President said. “This is why I am thankful to all of my followers.” The President urged Filipinos to visit his social media accounts to keep them posted about his activities, programs, and accomplishments. CONTINUED ON 3A
Gov’t sets off nationwide internet connectivity plan PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the rollout of internet for students and teachers in remote areas on Christmas Eve as part of his administration's "BroadBand ng Masa Program" (BBMP), which aims to provide
internet connectivity in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) across the country. In a surprise appearance in an "Online Kamustahan" organized by the Department of
Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the chief executive talked to students and teachers from various parts of the country, including the remote Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. CONTINUED ON 3A
on holidays Dec. 26, Jan. 2 THE “no work, no pay” policy will be implemented on Dec. 26, 2022 and Jan. 2, 2023 – both declared as special non-working holidays – the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said those who will report for work on both days will receive an additional 30 percent of their daily salary. “If they did not report for work, they have no pay unless there is a different company policy,” he said in a radio interview over the weekend.
On Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. added Dec. 26 to the list of special nonworking holidays to give Filipinos more time to spend time with their families. Dec. 24 and 31 have been “special working” days for two years now to allow the country to “recover from the adverse economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic” and “to encourage economic productivity by, among others, minimizing work disruption and commemorating some special CONTINUED ON 3A