Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City
10 December 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III graced the “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012” where he led the distribution of Noche Buena packs worth P2.8-million to 1,955 street sweepers during  the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) grand Christmas party held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

In his message, President Aquino expressed his sincere appreciation to the tireless dedication of the street sweepers in keeping Metro Manila clean. “Malinaw po: ang inyong pagpupunyagi ay pundasyon ng ating reporma; kabalikat kayo sa pag-aangat ng mabubuting katangian ng lahing Pilipino. Salamat po, tunay nga pong kayo ang gumagawa ng pagbabago,” he said.

President Aquino also related the bayanihan efforts being undertaken in Mindanao to normalize the situation in areas severely ravaged by Typhoon Pablo. He also acknowledged the efforts of PAGCOR to reach out to the marginalized sector in celebrating this year’s yuletide season, referring to PAGCOR Chairman Cristino “Bong” Naguiat Jr. as the local Santa Claus.  He added that through this program initiated by PAGCOR, 8,600 families sheltered by 41 government institutions will be given the same benefits, crediting the agency’s success to the leadership of Chairman Naguiat in safeguarding the interest of the Filipino people.

In closing, President Aquino called for the individual practice of bayanihan to usher in nationwide reform and to create sustainable development growth.

The “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012” is PAGCOR’s first grand Christmas Party hosted for street sweepers from the cities of Manila, Parañaque and Pasay.

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