Thousands of well-wishers from Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Nueva Ecija and Ilocos Norte, flocked to Malacañang’s Kalayaan Grounds on Friday to celebrate President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 68th birthday during the festive Salo-Salo sa Palasyo.
President Marcos, joined by First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, mingled with the jubilant crowd, sharing food, music, and cultural performances in what has become a tradition of opening the Palace to the public for his birthday.
Among the attendees was 71-year-old Elza B. Batara from Ilocos Norte, who wished the President good health and long life. “Happy birthday, Apo Presidente. Long live, God bless, at always take care. Sana po ay maipagpatuloy niyo pa ang magagandang gawain para sa ating mga kababayan,” she said.
Marietta P. Sumagan, 70, of Bagong Pag-Asa, Quezon City, expressed gratitude for being part of the occasion, praying for more birthdays and hoping the President’s reforms will continue even beyond his term. “Sana sa 2028, siya pa rin ang presidente natin,” she added.
For Teodora C. Nuñez, 65, also from Bagong Pag-Asa, the gathering was meaningful as she was able to personally extend her birthday greetings. From Nueva Ecija, 79-year-old Florencia F. Morales offered prayers for the President’s health, safety, and guidance, thanking him for opening the Palace doors to ordinary citizens.
Community leaders near Malacañang also joined the festivities. Barangay 829 Chairman Romualdo Billanes said they felt honored to be remembered by the President. Kagawad Helen Aguilar described the event as a blessing, noting that the gesture of celebrating with the public reflects the President’s generosity.
“Ngayon po siya ang may birthday, pero siya ang may regalo sa amin,” Aguilar remarked, adding that past leaders rarely opened the Palace to ordinary Filipinos in such a way.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., born on September 13, 1957, marked his 68th birthday surrounded by well-wishers from across the country.
With reports from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)
