First couple welcomes kids to Palace for Christmas gift drive

HOLIDAY TOUR | President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday joins several children in a mini train ride on Malacañang’s grounds, as the government holds a holiday gift-giving through the “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” program in 250 locations around the country. (Photo by MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos on Sunday welcomed to Malacañang more than 1,700 children from selected shelters nationwide, as they led a gift drive called “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya.”

The first couple greeted the children and their parents and guardians at the Palace grounds before distributing bags of Christmas gifts.

The Presidential Communications Office said the project was carried out through the partnership of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and private enterprises such as Jollibee and San Miguel Corp.

Among the beneficiaries of “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” were 1,120 children in Metro Manila, 449 in Cebu, 600 in Davao, and more than 14,867 children in other satellite centers across the country.

Memories

The president, in his speech, said that he could not help but recall his Christmas memories from childhood.

“When I was your age, when I was also small, my father was the President here [and] every Christmas, we do this,” Marcos said.

Through the aid of technology, giving gifts is no longer confined to the Palace, as this could now be held simultaneously across the country, he said.

“We’re now high-tech, of course. So it’s not only here in the Palace that there is a Christmas [gift-] giving but in various places in the Philippines, so that our young can feel the [spirit of] Christmas,” the president said.

“And we know — we all know — that Christmas is really about the children. And we always have a merry Christmas when the children have a good Christmas. [When] we see your smiles, saying ‘Merry Christmas’ has meaning,” he added.

GIFT-GIVING President Marcos and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos hand out gifts and food treats to children from selected shelters and orphanages during the nationwide gift-giving day at Malacañang Palace on Sunday. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

Marcos said on social media: “With every smile and laughter, the love and hope that embrace [childrens’] hearts are felt. More than toys and things, we bring them warm hugs, care, and understanding.”

He called the children “the most loved sector,” saying they are the nation’s future.

The president also paid tribute to social workers taking care of these children, calling them “the real heroes who give life to the spirit of love and care” in society.

On Saturday night, the first couple led the traditional tree-lighting activity which formally brought in the Christmas season at Malacañang.

“Christmas in the Philippines — we have gained the reputation around the world for celebrating Christmas with more fervor than most other countries,” Marcos said.

“And I think that is a good thing because I think all of us Filipinos, we take Christmas as a time for reflection and a time … to spend with your friends, your family, your loved ones and, of course, to watch the children because, as far as I’m concerned, Christmas is really for the children,” he added.