MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino III’s wish is to make all Christmases bright.
Mr. Aquino said as much as he and his sisters on Saturday gave away gifts, including school supplies and dinner packages, to children in the care of the Don Bosco institution in Makati.
“We hope that we are somehow able to make your Christmas a bit better,” he said in his brief remarks. “But don’t worry. We are doing our best to make future Christmases even brighter, be more beautiful and for your families to really be together, that all will have an opportunity to improve their lot.”
The President, sisters Ballsy Cruz, Pinky Abellada, Viel Dee and Kris Aquino and their respective families, also joined the children in a Christmas party at the school.
Kris Aquino donated milk and rubber shoes from products she has been endorsing.
“You will receive the same nutrition Bimby (son James) is getting from his milk,” Kris Aquino told the children.
A few children expressed their wishes to the President, including his good health. One also asked that her unemployed father be given a job.
“The wishes expressed earlier, I believe, would all be met. We will get a permanent job for the father who needs a permanent job,” Mr. Aquino said.
The President said the Don Bosco community has always been close to his family, especially during the martial law years.
“There are huge problems in dealing with the issues of our country but if there are those who help, such as those who figured in the recent flooding, the task really becomes easier,” he said.
In his Christmas message, the President asked Filipinos to give their share in the relief and rehabilitation efforts in communities devastated by the floods brought by storm Sendong.
He also thanked the people for their confidence in his efforts to make life better for Filipinos.