In consideration of all Filipinos severely affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be foregoing the traditional Christmas parties this year.
The order was issued by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay to all unit commanders and chiefs of offices throughout the country, military spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement Wednesday.
“Defer Christmas parties and similar celebrations as an austerity measure and as a gesture of sensitivity to our countrymen. Fellow Filipinos here and abroad have been suffering and this is the least we can do to commiserate with the people we have sworn to secure and serve especially in this time of crisis,” Arevalo, quoting Gapay’s order, said.
Instead, the units will allocate the money intended for Christmas revelries to be merged with the funds assigned to address the Covid-19 requirements of their personnel.
“This ban on all Christmas festivities also conforms with the health protocols that proscribes mass gatherings which the AFP strictly enforces and observes,” Arevalo said. (PNA)
