President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the “Tara sa Palasyo” Christmas festivities at Malacañan Palace, bringing holiday cheer to returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.

Marcos welcomed the OFWs and joined them in various activities prepared for the occasion, highlighting family bonding, entertainment, and appreciation for migrant workers.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, Marcos said the holiday season is a time to express gratitude and care for Filipinos who continue to make sacrifices for their families and for the country, particularly OFWs whom he described as modern-day heroes of the nation.

“Sa Pamaskong Handog para sa Overseas Filipino Workers, taos-puso nating ipinapaabot ang ating pasasalamat bilang paalala na hindi sila nag-iisa at may pamahalaang laging nakaalalay sa ating mga Bagong Bayani (Through the Christmas Gift for Overseas Filipino Workers, we sincerely convey our gratitude as a reminder that they are not alone and that there is a government always ready to support our Modern-Day Heroes),” Marcos said, extending his Christmas greetings to OFWs and their families.

The event, held at the Palace’s Kalayaan Grounds, is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to honor the sacrifices of OFWs who continue to work abroad to support their families and contribute to the country’s development.

About 400 OFWs and their families attended the celebration, which was organized by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in partnership with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

A key feature of the program was the live performance of the top three winners of the OWWA Duets Singing Competition 2025, providing festive entertainment for the attendees.

As part of the Paskong Pinoy celebration, the classic Filipino film Anak, directed by Rory Quintos and starring Vilma Santos and Claudine Barretto, was screened as a tribute to the sacrifices made by OFWs and the families they leave behind while working abroad.

Now on its fourth year, “Tara sa Palasyo” is a Christmas program that opens the Palace grounds to the public, offering a festive and welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

The program features child-friendly carnival and amusement rides, live singing and music performances, film screenings, and a variety of local Christmas food staples. (PNA)