Marcos leads gift-giving to street kids, indigenous peoples
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the distribution of gifts and livelihood assistance to street dwellers in Metro Manila.
Marcos made the distribution while launching the Caravan of Special Protection Programs for children, families, and indigenous peoples in street situations at the Open Amphitheater, Luneta Park.
The caravan is a collaboration between the Office of the President and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, where it will provide start-up capital to families with children on the streets.
“Kahit papaano, kahit na naghihirap tayo ngayon, kahit mayroon pa ring pandemya ng kaunti, ‘yung ekonomiya ay dahan-dahan pa lang bumabalik, kahit papaano nakakaraos pa rin tayo ngunit hindi mangyayari ‘yun kung hindi tayo magtulungan,” Marcos said in his speech.
(Even though we are in dire situations, there is still the pandemic and our economy is just recovering, we are still surviving. But we cannot do that if we’re not helping each other.)
“Gumawa kami ng kaunting event na ganito para naman masabi natin na sana lahat ng Pilipino ay makaramdan ng Christmas spirit, ng Pasko at kahit papaano ay makikita natin na ang kinabukasan ay mas magiging maliwanag kaysa sa ating pinagdaanan,” he added.
(We held this small event so that we can say that all Filipinos can feel the Christmas spirit, and we can say that tomorrow will be brighter than what we had to go through.)
The President led the distribution of P10,000 in financial assistance, hygiene kits, and food packs to 574 families identified by the local government units in Metro Manila.
Likewise, 400 children will receive gift packs containing toys, clothes, and books.
Marcos then reiterated his invitation to the public to visit Malacañang grounds for Simbang Gabi, saying the Palace is open from 7 p.m. until 4:30 a.m.
