Malacañan Palace Opens Gates for Public to Attend Simbang Gabi
President Marcos has made a remarkable gesture this holiday season by allowing the public to attend the traditional nine-day “Simbang Gabi” or dawn Masses at Malacañan Palace. This move has been described as unprecedented, marking the first time that the Palace grounds have been opened to the Filipino people for the entire nine Simbang Gabi nights.
According to the newly-appointed Presidential Assistant Cesar Chavez, the decision to open the Palace to the public is a way of acknowledging that the true owners of the Palace are the Filipino people, especially as they celebrate the Yuletide season.
The dawn Masses at Malacañan Palace will commence at 4:30 a.m. at the open area of the grounds, as announced by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO). Additionally, the Palace will also be hosting Christmas tree and lantern displays at the Kalayaan grounds from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily until December 23, along with rides for children to enjoy.
Chavez emphasized that the Palace has always been open to the Filipino masses ever since President Marcos took office. However, this year, President Marcos and his family have organized special treats for Filipinos, especially children, by creating a festive environment within the Palace grounds.
In his statement, Chavez expressed that Malacañan Palace has been transformed into a place not only for celebration and fun but also as a space for practicing faith, with the traditional Simbang Gabi being held at the Palace every night.
This move by President Marcos has been described as his way of acknowledging that as the steward of the government, he is only a temporary caretaker of Malacañan Palace, which truly belongs to the people.
