Marcos opens Malacañang to public for post-birthday celebration

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday opened the grounds of Malacañang to the public for a post-69th birthday celebration.

During the “Salo-salo sa Palasyo” at the Kalayaan Grounds, Marcos’ supporters enjoyed festivities and conveyed their birthday greetings to the President during the annual gathering of unity and thanksgiving.

READ: Marcos’ birthday wishes: Lasting gov’t reforms, more time with family

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Around 3,500 supporters and loyalists, vloggers, 1,000 persons with disabilities and senior citizens, 200 public school students, and 4,326 staff members from the Office of the President attended the event, which featured food tents, magic shows, and cultural performances.

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The event was livestreamed through 90 local satellite stations. During the program, supporters of Marcos, some of whom came from Cebu, Davao, and Zambales, conveyed their gratitude and birthday wishes to the President, which he reciprocated with appreciation.

“Maraming maraming maraming salamat at kayo ay nakicelebrate sa aking kaarawan. At nakakatuwa naman, hindi ko po akalain na nandito at makakarating kayo lahat, hindi lamang dito sa Malacanang, kung hindi sa lahat ng ibat-ibang lugar sa buong Pilipinas,” Marcos, who was wearing red as birthday celebrants usually do, said in a brief message.

(Thank you so much for celebrating my birthday with me. It’s truly wonderful, and I never imagined that all of you would be here and would make the trip—not only here to Malacañang, but from all different parts of the Philippines.)

“I thank you all very much. You have made this a very very very happy birthday for me. Thank you very much. We love you very much, and I hope to see you soon, and we will also celebrate in person,” he also said.

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Marcos turned 69 on Sept. 13, as he capped his two-day visit to New Delhi, India, by participating in the 18th BRICS Summit.

In an interview with Philippine media, Marcos said he hoped his administration would be able to put in place the foundations for government reforms that would continue beyond his term.

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He also said he wanted the Philippines to remain engaged with other countries while promoting trade and diplomacy. /gsg