Manila, Dec. 17 -- Malacanang has directed all national government agencies (NGAs) to hold simple Christmas and year-end celebrations, in view of recent calamities that have hit the country.

Memorandum Circular (MC) 110, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Dec. 15, emphasizes the need to adopt austerity measures during the Christmas season to ensure greater efficiency in public spending and prevent the misuse of government resources.

The directive to keep this year's celebration of the Yuletide season "simple and meaningful" covers all NGAs and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges.

Local government units are encouraged to do the same.

The move aims to "p...