Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told an interview over Radyo ng Bayan, Sunday, that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Trade Industry (DTI) are making the necessary preparations in time for the holiday rush.

“We are all conscious and cognizant of the attendant concerns pagdating ng Christmas season, nakahanda po ang ating kapulisan, ang ating mga ahensya na tumutulong—ang DTI, ang PNP—lahat po ng ahensya na involved po dito sa preparation for the Christmas season in terms of the commercial activities,” Lacierda said.

Lacierda said the PNP Highway Patrol Group remains involved in mending traffic along EDSA, where so many malls are located, and policemen are very much aware of additional measures needed to ensure the safety of our people.

“Ang ating mga kapulisan are very cognizant of the normal increase in commercial activities dito sa mga mall, so there will be added… Itong mga kapulisan natin are in touch with the mall operators to make sure that mas may security po sa ating mga shopping mall dahil nga, alam naman po natin, some people would like to take advantage of the bustling activity during the Christmas season,” he said.

The Department of Tourism also takes part in the effort, Lacierda said, as it looks forward to having visitors from abroad who would be spending their Christmas break in the country.

“We have the longest Christmas season in the world so it’s a good opportunity for us also to invite our friends from abroad to come visit and celebrate Christmas in the Philippines with us,” Lacierda said.

The Palace official, meanwhile, reminded the public that they should not forget the reason behind the season, which is the birth of Jesus Christ, despite all the hustle and bustle of the cities.

“Christmas is really a time for celebration, marami po talagang activities, commercial activities. But, you know, ipaalala po natin kung bakit tayo nag-ce-celebrate ng Christmas. This is the birth of Jesus, which is really the reason for the season,” he said. PND (hdc)