MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. marked the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with a message urging Filipinos to match the zodiac’s symbolism of courage with tangible discipline and sound judgment.
In his official address for the Lunar New Year, the President emphasized that while cultural symbols can provide energy, national progress is ultimately built through daily rigor and consistent public service.
Key Themes of the Presidential Message
- Purposeful Haste: Marcos invited the nation to “move with purposeful haste—swift when necessary; measured when it matters most,” noting that “direction is what truly delivers results.”
- Protecting Essentials: He called for the protection of fair opportunities and reliable public services, while simultaneously strengthening value chains and community resilience.
- Progress Through Work: The President stressed that a country advances when “Filipinos show up for work” and when households practice “prudence and good judgment” with their finances.
- Governance and Growth: He highlighted the role of government and industries in turning “daily effort into long-term growth” through sound decision-making.
A Shift in Terminology
Observers noted a significant change in the President’s messaging this year. For the first time in his three years in office, Marcos referred to the celebration as the “Lunar New Year” instead of “Chinese New Year.” This shift is seen as an effort to be more inclusive of other Asian communities in the Philippines and abroad that celebrate the festivities.
Holiday Context
Under Proclamation No. 1006, issued in September 2025, February 17, 2026, was designated as a special non-working day. However, Malacañang has clarified that February 18 is not a holiday, and regular government and business operations will resume tomorrow.
The President described the season as a “window for renewal,” encouraging families and businesses to use the holiday to set priorities and execute plans that will sustain them throughout the energetic Year of the Fire Horse.