Over 17,000 children from different shelters and orphanages are set to receive gifts from the government as President Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos led the second year of the "Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya" nationwide gift-giving program in Malacañan on Sunday morning, Nov. 26.

In his speech during the event, a visibly happy President Marcos said it was good to have children in Malacañan as the administration officially kicked off the start of the Yuletide Season.

"We all know that Christmas is really for the children, and we all have a Merry Christmas when the children have a good Christmas," he said.

"I'm so happy. Ito talaga ang ibig sabihin pag Christmas spirit; pagka napapaligiran tayo ng mga bata na ang gugulo na maiingay, makukulit pero masaya (This is the true meaning of the Christmas spirit; when we're surrounded by loud, playful, but happy children)," he added.

According to the President, the event was a good break from his daily routine as he can make children happy.

"Ito ay malaking kaibahan sa ginagawa namin araw-araw na seryosong trabaho. Ito, puro katuwaan, puro saya (This is a big difference compared to the serious work that we do everyday. This is pure fun)," he said.

"Nandiyan ang ating mga kabataan at nabibigyan natin, just for a few days, a very good feeling na silang lahat ay iniisip natin at inaalagaan natin (The children are here and we give them, just for a few days, a very good feeling that we think about and care for them)," he added.

President Marcos thanked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for taking care of the children who visited the Kalayaan Grounds on Sunday morning.

"Ito yung bahagi ng ating lipunan na pinakamamahal natin (They are a part of the beloved part of our society)," he said.

"Kaya ang inyong (DSWD) ginagawa, pagmahal sa kanila ay napakahalaga. Maraming salamat sa inyong pagserbisyo para sa ating— ang sinasabi nga, kinabukasan natin (The work that you do, the love you give them, is important. Thank you for serving the children— our future)," he added.

The "Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya" program is an initiative of the Office of the President (OP) through the Office of the DSWD Secretary. According to Malacañang, this year's event will give gifts to 17,268 children from selected shelters and orphan care centers nationwide.

The DSWD and the President's private support groups, including private partners such as Jollibee and San Miguel Corporation, partnered to organize the simultaneous celebration in over 250 locations.