Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will spend Holy Week in Ilocos Norte but will remain on duty, Malacañang said Tuesday, stressing that the trip is not a vacation.
Marcos said he plans to stay in his home province for a few days before returning to Manila by the weekend.
“For the Holy Week, I will spend a few days in Ilocos Norte. And I will be back in Manila by the weekend,” the president said in a media interview in Cabanatuan.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that the chief executive will continue to oversee government operations despite being away from Manila.
“Si Pangulo, hindi uso ang salitang pagbabakasyon… Walang pagbabakasyon dahil patuloy ang ating Pangulo sa pagmo-monitor at sa pagbibigay ng utos sa mga kailangan na gawin ng ating mga ahensya sa gobyerno,” Castro said.
[Translation: The word ‘vacation’ does not apply to the President… He will continue to monitor and give directives to government agencies.]
The president earlier called on Filipinos to use the Holy Week period for reflection and renewal, urging the public to pause from daily routines and focus on faith and service.
“May this Holy Week strengthen our resolve to become a nation guided by faith, united in purpose, and inspired by selfless service,” Marcos said.
