As the holiday breeze fills the air and our hearts turn to celebration, I invite every Filipino to reflect on the true spirit of the season. This time of generosity, family, and faith is also a powerful opportunity to care for our common home — our planet. Let us honor our cherished traditions while ensuring that we protect the future of our nation.

The holidays bring abundance and joy, but they also lead to a surge in consumption that strains our environment. Single-use plastics, disposable holiday decorations, and excess food overflow into our landfills and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Festive lights brighten our homes, while heavy traffic fills our roads, adding to our collective carbon footprint at a time when the Philippines stands on the frontlines of the global climate crisis.

This reality has been evident. The powerful onslaught of super typhoon “Uwan” (internationally named Fung-wong) struck Northern Luzon in early November, bringing devastating winds and torrential rains that led to widespread flooding and landslides. The storm displaced thousands of our fellow citizens and damaged homes and critical infrastructure.

Still, our enduring sense of community and creativity lights the way forward. We can celebrate a season that is both joyful and gentle on our planet, showing that our traditions can evolve with resilience and hope.

Let us give meaningfully. The most treasured gifts are those that carry intention, not a hefty price tag. Share experiences, a promise of quality time, a homemade treat, or a donation made in a loved one’s name. When buying gifts, choose local. Supporting Filipino artisans and neighborhood stores strengthens our economy, reduces the emissions from long-distance transport, and offers thoughtful, uniquely Filipino presents.

We can also embrace creativity through repurposed gifts or quality pre-loved items, wrapped in reusable fabric or recycled paper.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized spending quality time with family, finding meaning beyond challenges, and extending compassion to those affected by calamities, urging Filipinos to embody hope, love, and service, remembering the birth of Jesus and helping each other, particularly typhoon victims, so everyone feels the Christmas spirit.

In this spirit, Senator Loren Legarda offered the Senate family a simple yet heartfelt gift: red rice or “Minaangan” from the Ifugao community of Hungduan. Grown and harvested by hardworking local farmers, this heirloom grain represents months of dedication and care. As she shared, “Through this simple yet meaningful gift, we are able to honor our farmers and support our micro, small, and medium enterprises. May it encourage us this Christmas to give with intention, to choose local, and to stand behind the communities and artisans who keep our culture and traditions alive.”

Senator Legarda’s example reminds us that giving with purpose uplifts both people and the planet.

Let us decorate with creativity, not plastic. Our culture offers countless ways to create beauty sustainably. Craft traditional parol using recycled materials. Use natural fibers, shells, and native flowers for décor. If using lights, choose energy-efficient LED bulbs and limit their use to evening hours. The holiday glow we cherish comes not from excess electricity, but from faith, community gatherings, and the warmth of family.

Let us feast with mindfulness and unity. Our holiday tables overflow with joy but careful planning helps ensure they do not overflow with waste. Prepare meals thoughtfully to avoid food spoilage. Celebrate the harvest of our own farmers by prioritizing local produce. Incorporate more plant-based dishes, a proud part of Filipino cuisine. Treat leftovers as opportunities for creative meals, and compost food scraps whenever possible.

Let us travel with care. For those journeying home or taking holiday trips, travel mindfully. Carpool with family and friends, or use public transportation when possible. Each shared trip reduces emissions and helps ease holiday traffic.

The climate crisis is a shared reality, seen in stronger typhoons, rising seas, and disrupted livelihoods. Yet our collective action, grounded in our values of family, community and stewardship, remains our greatest strength. By choosing a sustainable Christmas, we do more than reduce waste — we build national resilience. We teach our children that caring for our environment is an act of love and patriotism. We show the world that the Filipino spirit can celebrate life without costing the Earth.

This holiday season, may the greatest gift we offer be a healthier, safer, and more resilient Philippines. Let our light shine not only through our lanterns, but through our shared commitment to a sustainable future and may we carry these choices with us into the new year and beyond.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!