Following directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., public schools in the metro are celebrating Christmas with a focus on simplicity and meaning, foregoing lavish parties and adhering to a strict no-collection policy.

“We are also aware of about the advisory from Malacañang about the celebration of the Christmas party,” said Marvin Suarez, principal of Fort Bonifacio Elementary School in West Rembo. “Christmas celebrations need to be simple, inexpensive, and meaningful. With that, we follow the advisory and of course, we comply with that.”

Suarez also stressed the importance of adhering to the no-collection policy, prohibiting monetary or in-kind solicitations for Christmas celebrations.

To accommodate the desire for festive celebrations, the school encourages students to bring their own food for the Christmas party.

“The best solution is to bring their own baon,” Suarez said.

The principal also stressed the importance of considering the impact of recent typhoons on families.

“During the typhoon that happened, a lot of people were affected. So, even if we are not affected, we cannot say the condition of each family and our students. So, it should not be compulsory,” Suarez said.

Fort Bonifacio Elementary School held its Christmas program on 20 December, featuring simple programs and presentations from different grade levels. The school’s General Parents-Teachers Association organized a parol-making contest for students.

Suarez stressed the importance of emphasizing the true meaning of Christmas.

“Of course, our Savior Jesus Christ is still in the center of that. Since we are all Christians and we believe our Savior. Of course, it is still inculcated in the knowledge of the children that the essence of Christmas is about love, giving, and sharing,” Suarez said.

In line with this, a nearby daycare center in West Rembo opted for a “year-end party” instead of a “Christmas party” to be inclusive of children from all religious backgrounds.

The daycare center implemented a potluck system for food and encouraged parents to bring small, affordable gifts for a “secret Santa” exchange.

At the Fort Bonifacio Elementary School, parents contributed P200 for shared food and game prizes. They also provided gifts for their children in advance, allowing them to choose gifts within their budget.

These initiatives aim to ensure that Christmas celebrations in public schools remain meaningful and inclusive while adhering to the directives from the Department of Education and Malacañang.