(RTVM screenshot)

MANILA, (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday, Dec. 22, made the Christmas season more meaningful by distributing Christmas gifts to 400 children and 574 individuals and families, including several members of indigenous people (IP) groups and children in street situations adopted by communities.

“Kahit mayroon pa ring pandemya nang kaunti, ‘yung ekonomiya ay dahan-dahan pa lang bumabalik, kahit papaano nakakaraos pa rin tayo ngunit hindi mangyayari ‘yun kung hindi tayo magtulungan,” Pres. Marcos said in his speech.

The Chief Executive led the gift-giving activity and livelihood assistance during the Pangkabuhayan at Pamaskong Handog ng Pangulo at Unang Ginang sa Sambayanang Pilipino at the Open Amphitheater in Rizal Park, Manila.

“Gumawa kami ng kaunting event na ganito para naman masabi natin na sana lahat ng Pilipino ay makaramdan ng Christmas spirit, ng Pasko at kahit papaano ay makikita natin na ang kinabukasan ay mas magiging maliwanag kaysa sa ating pinagdaanan,” the President added.

Spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the gift-giving activity is for beneficiaries coming from all 17 local government units (LGUs) of the National Capital Region (NCR). 

According to the DSWD, each adult beneficiary received six (6) kilograms of rice, other grocery items, hygiene kits and cash assistance amounting to P10,000.00 from the Department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program.  

Each child beneficiary also received food packs and gift packs containing toys and books. 

Meanwhile, Pres. Marcos invited everyone to visit Malacañan Palace and experience their Christmas setup and display there. The Palace grounds have been opened to the public until Dec. 24, from 7 p.m. up to 6 a.m. (PIA-NCR)