PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said he would spend Holy Week in his hometown, Ilocos Norte.
"For the Holy Week, I will spend a few days in Ilocos Norte. And I will be back in Manila by the weekend," Marcos told reporters in Nueva Ecija.
Marcos did not provide further details, but Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the president would continue to monitor developments in Ilocos Norte during the Holy Week.
"He will spend his Holy Week in Ilocos Norte with his family. There will be no vacation because our president will continue to monitor and give orders on what our government agencies need to do," Castro said in a press conference.
Last year, Marcos, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and their sons, Joseph Simon and William Vincent, spent Maundy Thursday at Suba Beach in Ilocos Norte.
In his Holy Week message, Marcos encouraged the public to renew their commitment to the faith, "inspired by selfless service" during the sacred season.
"May this Holy Week strengthen our resolve to become a nation guided by faith, united in purpose, and inspired by selfless service," he said.
Drawing from the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Marcos urged the Filipino faithful to renew their commitment to God to love and serve one another, and to remain faithful even in the face of trials.
“The Passion of Christ reminds us that true greatness is not found in power, but in sacrifice; not in privilege, but in service; and not in comfort, but in the courage to carry the burdens of others,” he said.
The president called on Filipinos to continue working together for the welfare of their families and to build stronger communities anchored on faith and shared responsibility.
He expressed hope that the Lenten season would inspire Filipinos to act with compassion and extend help to those in need.
“For in every act of compassion, every hand extended to those in need, and every sacrifice made for the good of others, we keep alive the spirit of His message,” he added.
Marcos earlier declared April 2 and 3 as regular holidays in observance of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
