Three major local government units in Metro Cebu have announced the cancellation of their grand Christmas parties for December 2025, redirecting funds and attention toward recovery efforts from recent natural calamities that struck the region.
Prioritizing Disaster Recovery Over Festivities
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed that the city government will not hold its traditional large-scale Christmas celebration this year. The decision comes as the city focuses its resources on rebuilding communities affected by Typhoon Tino. However, Archival clarified that individual departments retain the flexibility to organize modest, small-scale gatherings using their own budgets.
"We no longer have a big Christmas party, but we've given freehand to each department if they want to have small celebrations," Archival stated. The mayor emphasized that the priority remains on helping typhoon-affected communities recover, though Christmas bonuses for employees are still being finalized and are expected to be smaller than previous years.
Regional Unity in Austerity Measures
Following similar austerity measures, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia "Cindi" King-Chan announced that her administration will also forego the traditional government-wide Christmas party. The decision was influenced by multiple challenges facing the region, including the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake and successive typhoons Tino, Uwan, and Verbena that battered Cebu.
Mayor Chan called for unity among residents and employees, suggesting that the community focus on the spiritual significance of Christmas while contributing to reconstruction efforts. "Let us come together in celebrating the birth of Jesus while helping in the recovery and rebuilding," she encouraged.
Cordova Adjusts Traditions Amid Crisis
The municipality of Cordova has taken similar measures, canceling its annual Inter-Barangay and Inter-School Christmas Village and Christmas Lighting competition. This move aligns with directives from Malacañang and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) advocating for moderate celebrations and redirecting savings toward disaster relief.
Despite the cancellations, Cordova will maintain some holiday traditions, including erecting a giant Christmas tree at the town plaza to preserve the spirit of hope and community. Mayor Cesar "Didoy" Suan assured residents that while the competition is temporarily suspended, the community will still gather for a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony followed by a fireworks display.
"To the people of Cordova, even though we are in times where disasters come one after another, and even though we will temporarily stop this competition, we still have an upcoming Christmas Tree Lighting that will be followed by a fireworks display," Suan announced. The municipality will host simple gatherings instead of grand parties, with the 20-foot Christmas tree serving as a symbol of unity and resilience for Cordovans.
Mandaue City Proceeds with Modified Celebrations
In contrast to its neighboring cities, Mandaue City will proceed with its annual Christmas lighting ceremony on November 28, 2025, though with significant modifications. Mayor Thadeo Jovito "Jonkie" Ouano confirmed the event would push through despite delays caused by Typhoons Verbena and Tino.
"This Christmas lighting will still push through on November 28. It was slightly delayed because we faced calamities, including two typhoons. But our instruction is simple: we will celebrate the spirit of Christmas," Ouano stated. The city has substantially reduced expenses for the event and related programs, with the mayor noting costs would be "lower than last year."
While Mandaue City employees won't have a large Christmas party, they will receive simple food treats including ham, longganisa, and tocino. Ouano emphasized that Christmas celebrations remain an important part of the city's character and resilience, while reminding the public of the true meaning of Christmas as a time for giving and forgiveness.
The coordinated approach across Metro Cebu demonstrates a regional commitment to fiscal responsibility and disaster response, balancing the need for holiday cheer with practical support for communities recovering from multiple natural disasters.
