A total of 2,000 children in Caloocan received Christmas gifts from the President and the local government during the conduct of the "Balik-Sigla, Bigay-Saya Year 3" program of the national government on Sunday, Dec. 8.
Aside from the gifts, the participants, who are all children aged five to 12 years old, along with their parents, were provided with free services and activities such as oral health and nutrition consultations, haircut, face painting, as well as free vitamins and oral health kits by the city government.
Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan expressed his gratitude to the President for his continued support to Caloocan residents.
“Hindi po magiging matagumpay ang pagdaraos ng programang ito kung hindi dahil sa tulong na ibinibigay ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos. Maraming maraming salamat po (This event will not be a success without the help of President Bongbong Marcos. Thank you so much)," Malapitan said.
He then underscored the importance of such activities that ensure the healthy and proper growth of children as productive members of their communities.
"Naniniwala po ako na sa simpleng pamimigay ng mga regalo at pagdaraos ng mga pampamilyang aktibidad, natulungan po nating mapasaya ang darating na Pasko para sa mga bata at kanilang mga magulang, lalo na ang mga kababayan nating higit na nangangailangan (I believe that with the simple act of giving gifts and holding family-centered activities, we are able to help people become happy during Christmas, especially those who are in need)," the mayor stressed.
The gift-giving activity, an initiative of the Office of the President, began in 2022 in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), private orphanages, and communities nationwide.
It aims to spread the joy of Christmas to those who have less in life.