President opens Palace gates for postbirthday treat

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos on Monday opened the gates of Malacañang to the public for a postbirthday celebration.

During the “Salo-salo sa Palasyo” at the Kalayaan Grounds, Marcos’ supporters enjoyed festivities and conveyed their birthday greetings to the President, who turned 69 on Sunday.

Around 3,500 supporters and loyalists, vloggers, 1,000 persons with disabilities and senior citizens, 200 public school students, and 4,326 staff members from the Office of the President attended the event, which featured food tents, magic shows and cultural performances.

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READ: Marcos’ birthday wishes: Lasting gov’t reforms, more time with family

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“Thank you so, so, so much for celebrating my birthday with me. It’s truly wonderful, and I never imagined that all of you would be here and would make the trip—not only here to Malacañang, but from all different parts of the Philippines,” Mr. Marcos said in a brief message.

The President spent his birthday on Sept. 13 attending the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India.

He returned home at 4:15 a.m. on Monday, reporting in his arrival statement on his bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the investment pledges secured during his trip, including a commitment from Indian conglomerate iSON Group to invest $75 million (P4.7 billion) in its operations and planned expansion in the Philippines. /cb