President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday expressed his heartfelt gratitude to long-time supporters during the annual Pamaskong Handog Mula sa Pangulo, a year-end gathering honoring those who have stood by the Marcos family through the years.
Joined by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos and their children—House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro,” Joseph Simon, and William Vincent—President Marcos hosted the event for around 2,000 members of the Friends of Imelda Romualdez Marcos (FIRM), led by founding president Artemio Lachica.
The celebration was held at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium in Ermita, Manila.
In his message, Marcos underscored the enduring bond between the Marcos family and their supporters, noting that their unity has remained strong despite the passage of time.
He said he continues to draw strength from the support of their allies wherever he travels in the country, adding that they occupy a special place in the Marcos family’s hearts.
The President thanked supporters for their loyalty and sacrifices, acknowledging that words alone could not fully repay the kindness they have shown over many years.
“Mabuti naman at kahit papaano ‘yung ating pagsasama na napakatagal na ay hindi naman napapatid at patuloy pa tayong nagkakaisa, patuloy pa tayong nagkikita (It is good to know that, despite the long years we have been together, our bond has not been broken, and we continue to remain united and to see one another),” he said.
He assured them that their dedication has not been forgotten, emphasizing that they remain not only in the family’s thoughts but, more importantly, in their hearts.
“Kaya maraming-maraming salamat sa inyong tulong. Hindi ko po masusuklian ang inyong napakagandang loob na ipinakita sa amin sa ilang taon na. Siguro labis na sa isang dekada na tayo ay nagsasama (Thus, my deepest thanks to you for your support. I can never fully repay the kindness you have shown us over the years. Perhaps we have been together for more than a decade now),” Marcos said.
“Asahan po ninyo hindi po kami nakakalimot. Lagi kayo ay nasa isip namin. At mas mahalaga, lagi kayo ay nasa puso namin (Rest assured, we do not forget. You are always in our thoughts, and more importantly, you are always in our hearts),” he added.
The Pamaskong Handog Mula sa Pangulo is a yearly tradition that serves as a gesture of appreciation and solidarity, highlighting the Marcos family’s continued recognition of their supporters as the year comes to a close.