MALACAÑANG opened its gates on Monday to over 9,000 people for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s 69th birthday celebration.
During the “salo-salo” (get-together) in the Palace grounds, the crowd joined in the belated celebration of the president's birthday. They were joined by 4,326 staff members from the president’s office, 3,500 supporters and vloggers, 1,000 persons with disabilities and senior citizens, and 200 public school students.
“Thank you very much for joining me in celebrating my birthday. It is truly heartwarming; I never imagined that all of you would be here — not just here in Malacañang, but also in various locations across the Philippines,” the president told the well-wishers.
Marcos’ birthday was simultaneously celebrated in 90 different locations in the country.
The celebration was also simultaneously broadcast in over 20 provinces.
The president’s birthday coincided with his attendance in the 18th Brics Summit in India, where he represented the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) as this year’s chairman.
During his trip, he was asked what his birthday wish was. He replied that he wishes he could spend more time with his family.
“I suppose for my family, simple lang. I wish I saw more of all of you, and it's not just my children, including the first lady, our schedules don't match very well, we don't see each other that much either. I wish I could spend more time with all of you, number one,” he said.
He also wished that the projects that he spearheaded continue.
“For the nation, it's a big wish; I wish I'll be able to get the beginnings of what we started in place so that they continue,” he said.
Looking ahead, the president hoped that, like his meeting with various leaders in different countries during his visit in India, engagements with other countries will continue.
“We'll continue down the road of engagement with other countries. We will encourage trade. We will encourage diplomacy. We will always be on the side of peace. That's what I think about,” he said.