GMA on tragedies: We will survive

On Christmas Eve, President Arroyo seeks to bring hope and optimism that the country will survive amid the atmosphere of crisis around the world.

"Nababalot man ngayon ang mundo sa krisis at terorismo, may isang katotohanan na hinding-hindi maipagkakaila; makakaraos at makakaraos tayong mga Pilipino," Mrs. Arroyo said in her pre-taped Christmas message scheduled to be aired over radio and television.

"Ganyan ang pagkatao natin. Matibay sa harap ng kahirapan. Taas noo sa harap ng pagsubok," she said.

Mrs. Arroyo spoke in Pilipino in expressing her prayers for a peaceful and prosperous Christmas amid the crisis and threats of terrorism.

"Ngayong Pasko ang ipinagdarasal ko ay tulad din ng dasal ninyo… pagkakaisa tungo sa mas maliwanag na kinabukasan," Mrs. Arroyo said.

"The best Christmas gift for our beloved nation is getting together, helping each other. And I hope that a bright Christmas would be brighter in the coming days ahead," she added.

As of yesterday, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye could not say if Mrs. Arroyo would spend Christmas in Baguio City, as is their family tradition.

In the past two years, the Arroyos spent their holidays attending the traditional Misa de Gallo in Baguio City Cathedral.

Bunye reiterated the President’s "holiday economics" for Christmas and New Year vacation.

Mrs. Arroyo earlier declared Christmas eve, Dec. 24, and Jan. 2 as special non-working days for the private and government sector. Jan. 2 was declared a holiday in lieu of Dec. 30, Rizal Day, which was declared by Malacañang as a regular working day.

Bunye, however, said government workers would enjoy a five-day holiday starting Dec. 26 leaving the discretion for the private sector to similarly grant such vacation to their workers. — Marichu Villanueva