­Filiponos were advised to avoid lavish Christmas parties and take it easy on the traditional roast pig in keeping with President Benigno Aquino’s austerity measures for the mainly Catholic country.

Deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said government offices would also spend less for Christmas parties, while the education department has issued a directive for schools to temper the fun.

“In keeping with the austerity policy given by the Aquino Administration, we can celebrate a meaningful Christmas with our office mates without going over the top,” Ms Valte said.

The government, she said, was also advising the public to eat in moderation for health reasons.

“Enjoy the season in good health... go slow on lechon,” she said.

Lechon is the traditional spit-roasted pig, a Filipino delicacy served on special occasions but blamed by many doctors for a spike in reports of high blood pressure during the holidays.

Education secretary Armin Luistro also issued a directive to the country’s 43,000 elementary and secondary schools to keep Christmas parties simple.