By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had an early birthday celebration on Friday as Malacañang opened its grounds to well-wishers for the annual “Salusalo sa Palasyo”.
Supporters from across Metro Manila and as far as the Ilocos Region gathered at the Palace’s Kalayaan grounds to personally greet the President, who will turn 68 on Saturday.
The jubilant crowd also sang ”Happy Birthday” for the Chief Executive.
First Lady Liza Marcos as well as sons William Vincent and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander also attended the celebration, teeming with food, music, and cultural performances.
In a media interview in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Tuesday, the President said his birthday wish is to improve the lives of Filipinos through successful government programs and projects.
“Hindi naman nagbabago ‘yung mga birthday wish ko mula noong simula hanggang ngayon na naging Pangulo ako, at iyon na nga, maging maayos ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino, na maituloy natin lahat ng ating proyekto para matulungan lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga mahihirap,” he said.
“At ganoon pa rin hindi talaga nagbabago: Sana maabot natin ‘yung aking—at aabutin natin—‘yung aking pinapangarap na wala ng gutom na Pilipino,” he added.
-jpv
