Every Filipino will have a merry Christmas, President Marcos vowed as he assured the people that the government will exhaust all means to make it happen.
Marcos made the commitment while leading a gift-giving event for residents of Marillac Hills and Haven for Women in Muntinlupa City on Monday, Dec. 2.
He said he will see to it that Filipinos affected by the recent series of typhoons, especially the children, will be able to still feel the spirit of Christmas.
"[K]ahit na tinamaan tayo ng kung ano anong bagyo, kahit na nasunugan ang mga iba't ibang lugar, tiyakin namin na tayong lahat, kayong lahat, lahat ng Pilipino, lalo na itong maliliit, itong mga bata, ay dapat ang mga bata kahit papaano ay makaramdaman ng pasko (Even if we were hit by typhoons, even if some places were razed by fire, all Filipinos, especially the children, they should at least feel the spirit of Christmas)," Marcos said in his speech during the event.
"Kahit sila ay naging biktima ng bagyo, kahit sila ay naiwan pa sa evacuation center. Basta't kami sa pamahalaan titiyakin namin, lahat ng Pilipino ay may merry Christmas ngayong 2024 (Even if they were hit by typhoons, they are still in the evacuation centers. We, in the government, will ensure that all Filipino will have a merry Christmas this 2024)," Marcos added.
The President distributed gifts and assistance to victims of sexual abuse and exploitation at the Marillac Hills and Haven for Women. He handed over 20 sacks of 50- kilo rice to Marillac Hills and 10 sacks for the Haven for Women. He also extended food packs, medicines, vitamins, toiletries and infant supplies.
In return, the residents performed a heartfelt “Thank you” song to express their gratitude for the President.
Government aid continues
Marcos also distributed gift packs to residents of the Manila Boys Town Complex in Marikina City on Monday, where he stated that the government will continue supporting disaster-hit Filipinos even after Christmas.
"Lahat po ay ating ginagawa para patuloy po na matupad iyang aming panalangin na lahat ng Pilipino ay maramdaman yung Christmas spirit (We are doing every thing to fulfill our prayers that all Filipino would feel the spirit of Christmas)," Marcos said.
“May mga bagyo, may mga sunog. Pero Pilipino tayo, sanay tayo sa ganiyan. Kahit na natisod tayo ng kaunti, tatayo ulit at maglalakad ulit (We are Filipinos, in times of calamities, we are used to it. We may fall, but we always rise and recover)," he added.
Marcos assured the public of the government’s continued support to calamity-battered Filipinos in collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
"Wag niyo pong iisipin na hindi kayo namin inaalala. At kung anuman ang pangangailangan ninyo, nandiyan po ang ating mga local government officials, nandiyan po ang ating DSWD (Do not think that we do not remember you. Whatever your needs are, the local government officials, the DSWD are there),” he said, adding the government will not abandon distressed Filipinos.
Established on March 3, 1947, the complex is managed by the Manila Department of Social Welfare and Development (MDSWD).