President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday described Christmas as the country’s emotional reset button, urging Filipinos to pause, reflect, and reunite with family, amid a year marked by strong typhoons, economic headwinds, and ongoing government investigations into irregular flood control projects.

Leading the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang, Marcos said Christmas holds a “special meaning” for Filipinos, especially for overseas workers who return home only during the holidays.

“What a joy it is to be reminded that we are now in the Christmas season,” the President said.

Injecting humor into his remarks, he added that he feels “no pressure” while his administration grapples with corruption and political storms.

“No matter how heavy the loads that we feel sometimes in the work that we do… Hindi ako ‘yan. ‘Yung mga Cabinet Secretaries ko ‘yung may ganyan. Ako, walang nararamdaman na ganun (Not me. My Cabinet Secretaries, they are the ones feeling that. I don’t feel anything like that) I don’t know what they’re talking about,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Marcos said the holidays offer the chance to slow down, reflect on the past year and focus on family and loved ones.

“We examine our lives… and maybe put down what we are carrying and spend more time with family,” he said.

Christmas, he added, offers a chance to reset and return renewed.

“We come back refreshed. We come back with new ideas… something that will contribute to what we are doing,” he said.

Guests, which include House Speaker Bojie Dy and other officials, watched “Puso ng Pasko,” performed by the Alice Reyes Dance Philippines with the Manila Symphony Orchestra and the Ryan Cayabyab Singers.

The Palace also awarded the winners of the “Isang Bituin, Isang Mithiin” national parol-making competition. (PNA)