Every December, the city of Cebu transforms with festive decorations and cheerful music. The iconic giant Christmas tree at Fuente Osmeña Circle stands tall, its lights a bright beacon of the season. Yet, for many residents driving past, the sparkling display contrasts sharply with the growing worries in their minds. The holiday spirit is present, but so is a pressing financial strain that turns Christmas into what some call 'Crisismas'.
The Reality Behind the Festive Façade
For families like the Abellanas from Barangay Lahug, the annual visit to see the Fuente Osmeña tree is a cherished tradition. Mama Liza admires the beauty, while Papa Jun quietly thinks about their upcoming electric bill. At home, their celebrations are scaled down. Their 13th-month pay has quickly been absorbed by existing debts, forcing careful revisions to their holiday menu. Their story is not unique; it reflects a widespread experience where maintaining dignity during the festivities is a daily challenge.
This year, the struggle is even more acute for countless others. Across Cebu and the entire Philippines, victims of recent floods, typhoons, and earthquakes are spending the season in evacuation centers or damaged homes. Their holiday wishes are fundamental: dry clothing, sufficient food, and a safe shelter from the rain. While city centers sparkle, these communities are engaged in the slow, difficult work of rebuilding their lives from the ground up.
Leadership Promises vs. Ground-Level Needs
The political landscape adds another layer to the season's narrative. The administration of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. emphasizes stability and economic recovery. This follows the tenure of former President Rodrigo 'Digong' Duterte, remembered for a starkly different style of governance. For ordinary families, however, the central questions remain practical and immediate. They wonder which leader will provide tangible aid when disasters strike and whose support will last after the media attention fades.
Official Christmas messages promoting unity often ring hollow. For struggling Filipinos, unity must be actionable. It needs to materialize faster than official press releases and offer more substance than seasonal greetings. The true test of leadership is felt in the evacuation centers and modest living rooms where budgets are stretched thin.
The Unbreakable Spirit of Community
Despite the hardships, a resilient spirit persists. Families like the Abellanas still gather for a meal, valuing togetherness over extravagance. In temporary shelters, people share relief goods with a sense of communal feasting. Parents put on brave smiles to comfort their children, and neighbors help one another, proving a powerful lesson: survival is easier when shouldered together.
As the year draws to a close, the lights of Fuente Osmeña serve as a symbol of both beauty and aspiration. They represent a collective hope for a kinder 2026. The wish is for faster, more compassionate responses to calamities, for leadership that feels present and effective, and for a time when the Christmas spirit isn't overshadowed by crisis.
If the current season has been defined by 'Crisismas', then the coming year must be a quiet rebellion. It calls for less pretense and more genuine care, fewer lofty promises and more concrete action. The goal is a nation that shines for its people not just in December, but consistently, especially when they need light the most.
