Rizal Park, City of Manila
December 22, 2022

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. greeted the beneficiaries a ‘Merry Christmas!’ as he distributed Christmas gifts during the Pangkabuhayan at Pamaskong Handog ng Pangulo at Unang Ginang sa Sambayanang Pilipino at the Open Amphitheater in Rizal Park, City of Manila.

“Sana naman lahat ng Pilipino ay makaramdam ng Christmas spirit, makaramdam ng Pasko, at kahit papano ay makikita natin na ang ating kinabukasan ay magiging mas maliwanag kaysa sa pinagdaanan natin,” the President said in his message for the 400 children and 574 individuals and families, including several members of indigenous people (IP) groups and children in street situations adopted by communities.

Spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the gift-giving activity was intended for beneficiaries coming from all 17 local government units (LGUs) of the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to the DSWD, each adult beneficiary received six (6) kilograms of rice, other grocery items, hygiene kits and cash assistance amounting to PhP10,000.00 from the Department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program. Meanwhile, each child beneficiary received food packs and gift packs containing toys and books.

President Marcos Jr. also spent more time with the beneficiaries to grant their simple wish of greeting him ‘up close and personal’.

“Aanyayahin ko rin pala kayo sa binuksan namin, ang Palasyo,” the President announced, highlighting the giant Christmas tree that serves as the main attraction in the Malacañang Grounds. “Welcome kayong lahat. Bukas na ang Palasyo. Hindi ko naman bahay iyon. Bahay ninyo ‘yon kaya binuksan ko na,” he added.

Billed as ‘Tara sa Palasyo,’ Malacañang is open to the public until December 24 from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

*  *  *