DBM Reminds Government Agencies To Keep 2026 Christmas Parties Simple and Modest
DBM CHRISTMAS PARTY – Is your government office planning a big year-end party? The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has reminded all government agencies to keep their 2026 Christmas parties and year-end celebrations “simple and modest,” as the country deals with an energy emergency, high prices and the El Niño phenomenon.
The reminder is contained in DBM Circular Letter No. 2026-15 dated November 9, 2026, according to reports from The Philippine Star, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, BusinessWorld and Radar. In it, the DBM called for the “judicious and prudent use of government funds” in year-end gatherings and other activities paid for by taxpayers.
Who Are Covered by the DBM Circular
Based on the Philippine Star report, the directive applies to the following:
- National government agencies
- Government-owned and -controlled corporations (state-run firms)
- Government financial institutions
- State universities and colleges
- Local government units
- Other concerned government entities
What the DBM Wants Agencies To Avoid
The DBM said year-end events, including the purchase of items for these celebrations, must be “simple and modest in scale rather than costly or elaborate festivities.” According to Radar and BusinessWorld, the reminder also covers spending on:
- Raffle prizes
- Gift and grocery baskets
- Shirts and jackets
- Other tokens or giveaways for officials, employees and agency clients
BusinessWorld added that the DBM repeated existing policies requiring offices to save on nonessential expenses such as travel, meetings, office supplies and utilities. The circular also said celebrations should stay inclusive and consider the different economic situations of employees.
Christmas parties and giveaways are not banned, Radar noted. The circular only stresses that public money must be spent carefully, and it reminds agency heads that they are responsible for making sure their offices follow the rules on the use of government funds.
Why the DBM Issued the Reminder
“Cognizant of pressures that many Filipino families are experiencing from economic and environmental factors, all government agencies are encouraged to hold sensible, mindful and meaningful celebrations or gatherings that foster camaraderie and boost the morale of their personnel,” the DBM said, as quoted by the Inquirer.
The agency pointed to the disruption in the country’s energy supply, which led Malacañang to declare a State of National Emergency through Executive Order No. 110, and to the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to last until the first half of 2027, Radar reported.
The Philippine Star said the circular came after acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon raised concerns about some agencies holding activities near the end of the fiscal year mainly to raise their budget utilization rates, including parties disguised as planning sessions.
The reminder also comes at a time when households are feeling the pinch. Inflation climbed to a three-year high of 7.8% in October, while economic growth slowed to 2.1% in the third quarter, the Inquirer reported.
Laws Cited by the DBM
The DBM said the prudent use of public funds is already required by the Constitution and several laws and issuances, including:
- Executive Order No. 292, or the Administrative Code of 1987
- Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees
- Commission on Audit (COA) Circular No. 2012-003
- Office of the President Memorandum Circular No. 110
“In keeping with the public trust reposed in them, public servants are called to embody compassion, empathy and solidarity with their fellow Filipinos, and to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose within the organization and with the people they serve,” the DBM said.
For official DBM issuances, visit the DBM website.
Have you heard about the deadline for this year’s 13th month pay? Read our guide: 13th Month Pay 2026 — DOLE Sets Dec. 24 Deadline, Here’s Who Qualifies and How To Compute It.
Is your office planning a simpler Christmas party this year? Let us know in the comments.
