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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Embassy of Israel, Shalom Club Nueva Ecija conduct annual holiday outreach

Embassy of Israel, Shalom Club Nueva Ecija conduct annual holiday outreach

Published Dec 19, 2025 05:52 pm
DEPUTY Ambassador Ester Buzgan, Shalom Club members, Municipal Administrator and former Mayor Imee de Guzman, school officials, and pupils of Mabini Elementary School pose for a photo with gifts from the Embassy of Israel, with support from the Makati Medical Center Foundation and the Nueva Ecija Seed-Grower Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
DEPUTY Ambassador Ester Buzgan, Shalom Club members, Municipal Administrator and former Mayor Imee de Guzman, school officials, and pupils of Mabini Elementary School pose for a photo with gifts from the Embassy of Israel, with support from the Makati Medical Center Foundation and the Nueva Ecija Seed-Grower Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
Christmas is one of the most anticipated days of the year for children around the world and a season cherished by every Filipino, not only for the gifts, but also for the love, joy, and warmth that fill every heart, young and old alike.
It is a time when families come together to share a meal, or ‘’salo-salo,’’ and when communities celebrate kindness, generosity, and togetherness.
The Embassy of Israel in Manila joined the Shalom Club Nueva Ecija Chapter for their annual holiday outreach, “Ngayong Pasko, Salo Tayo,” a tradition that brings simple Christmas cheer and meals to children from public schools and indigenous communities across the province.
This year, the initiative was supported by the Makati Medical Center Foundation, which provided toys and hygiene kits for the children, and the Nueva Ecija Seed-Grower Multi-Purpose Cooperative.
Deputy Ambassador Ester Buzgan personally visited the province for the turnover of donations and participated in activities with the children.
Adding to the festive spirit, the beloved Jollibee mascot entertained the students with lively dances and playful interactions, bringing smiles and laughter throughout the celebration.
This year, the bright and cheerful students of Mabini Elementary School in Santo Domingo, Nueva Ecija, were the beneficiaries.
Despite being a small school, the dedication of its teachers and staff creates a nurturing and child-friendly environment for all 157 learners. The celebration took place under the shade of the schoolyard trees and in the lively covered court, surrounded by the warmth of the community.
Buzgan thanked everyone behind the initiative for making education brighter and reaffirmed that children deserve a better future. She highlighted the vital role of the local farming community, saying, “The farmers are our heroes. They work tirelessly to feed our communities and help our children grow strong.”
Using a heartfelt metaphor, she added, “Children are like little seedlings. We need to nourish them with love, care, and the right tools so they can study well, grow, and reach their full potential.”
She explained that this belief inspired the Embassy’s support for the school’s learning environment, which included the donation of a new television, sound system, and projector to help students learn better and make lessons more engaging.
Buzgan thanked the community, saying, “Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. This is all for you.”
She personally handed over gifts to the students together with Imee de Guzman, municipal administrator and former mayor, and Lorna Mae Vero, president of the Shalom Club-Nueva Ecija Chapter.
The embassy’s sharing of food, toys, school supplies, hygiene kits, and educational equipment reflected its care for children and strong support for the community.
Moments like these show that diplomacy is not only practiced in offices or formal meetings, but also through shared meals, children’s laughter, and simple acts of giving.
Through these gestures of care and solidarity, the embassy reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing friendship and hope.

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