LED by President Marcos Jr., the First Family yesterday spread cheers and joy to 30,000 kids around the country as they kicked off the annual “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Gift-giving Day.”
The President and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos, together with their sons Joseph Simon and William Vincent spent time with 2,199 kids aged from four to 12 years old who visited Malacanang, treating them to circus acts for entertainment, games such as pabitin and inflatables as well as a trackless train ride around the Giant Christmas Tree at the Kalayaan Grounds.
At one point, the First family rode the train with kids, with the President driving around the Christmas Tree.
A total of 27,899 other kids attended simultaneous events hosted by 17 local government units and 62 centers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) around the country.
The event is usually for kids from the centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs) managed by the DSWD, private orphanages and poor communities nationwide.
Each child received a kiddie gift set, including a trolley bag, pillow, raincoat, socks, face and hand towel, tumbler, and watch as well as food from Jollibee, Tapa King and Purefoods. Other stalls around the Kalayaan ground provided other food products.
This is the third year that the First Family hosted the event, inspired by similar annual Christmas events in Malacanang that were hosted by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos.
“Alam niyo naman, basta’t ‘pag pasko ito’y ino-open house namin dahil ganyan talaga ang naging tradisyon sa pamilya namin, Pamilya Marcos. Noong bata pa ako at dito pa kami nakatira. Basta’t pasko mayroon kaming handa para sa ating mga maliliit na inaalagaan kaya nandito po tayo ulit (We observe an open house every Christmas as part of our tradition, the Marcos Family. When I was young, and we lived here, we hosted a feast for the young children that we cared for, that’s why we are here again),” the President said in his speech during the event.
DISASTER-HIT COMMUNITIES
Marcos likewise reiterated his directives to different government agencies to ensure that the spirit of Christmas is felt by communities affected by recent typhoons and other effects of climate challenges.
He again committed that despite the difficulties and challenges felt by the country in the last few months, including those affected by El Niño, La Niña and six successive typhoons from November to December, his administration will ensure that Christmas would still be felt and memorable.
“Nahirapan tayo nitong nakaraang taon. Tinamaan tayo ng kung anu-ano. Nag-umpisa sa El Niño. Nag tag-tuyot ang ating agrikultura tapos sinundan naman ng La Niña na puro bagyo naman. Sana naman ay mag-Merry Christmas lang tayo (We experienced a lot of hardship this year. We were hit by a lot which started with El Niño that dried up our agriculture. It was followed by La Niña that brought typhoons. Let’s just have a Merry Christmas),” he said.
“Kasi tayo’y nabigyan ng kaunting oras, kaunting pagkakataon na makasama ang ating mga mahal sa buhay, makapag-celebrate ng kaunti, mag-saya ng kaunti, at kumain ng masyadong maraming lechon at saka mga hamon. Iyan ang pasko para sa Pilipino (We were given time, another chance to spend with our loved ones, to celebrate, have fun, and to eat a lot of lechon (roasted pork) and ham. That is the Christmas for Filipinos),” he added.
The President said Filipinos should continue to embrace the traditions of Christmas despite the hardships as he emphasized the importance of joy and togetherness during the holiday season.
DAVAOEÑOS URGED
Former Davao Rep. and Civil Service Commission Chair Karlo Nograles called on the public to celebrate responsibly, including the Davaoeños whom he urged to keep safe this holiday season and avoid drinking and driving especially with the expected Christmas parties, reunions and gatherings being held.
“This should be automatic for everyone by now. But it’s worth repeating: if you drink, do not drive. You can also ask someone to pick you up or use other transport services to get home safely. Ride a taxi, trike, or Grab. There are many ways to avoid risking your life and the lives of others,” Nograles said in mixed English and Filipino.
He said there are alternative transport options to ensure road safety and prevent accidents during one of the most festive times of the year.
Nograles said in Davao City, there are about 8,000 jeepneys, over 5,000 taxis, approximately 2,500 tricycles, and hundreds of buses and vans available.
He, however, said this could further be improved to make commuting safer and more efficient
“We should explore solutions that decongest our roads and enhance the overall commuting experience,” he added as he expressed openness to incorporating more ride-hailing apps and motorcycle taxis into Davao’s transport system.
“The viability of motorcycle taxis is worth studying. Other cities have successfully integrated motorcycle taxis into their transportation environment. It’s time to evaluate if these options could benefit Davaoeños by offering more convenient and diverse choices. If we see that it helps, we can work with the LTFRB (Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board) and other transportation stakeholders to make it work,” he added.
Nograles also emphasized the importance of having a 24/7 emergency response system for road accidents, the deployment of more traffic personnel, and implementing measures to keep roads safe and efficient all year round.
MANDALUYONG DRIVE
The Mandaluyong government has started distributing Noche Buena packs to residents of 27 barangays.
Mayor Ben Abalos Sr. ordered the distribution of packs called Pamaskong Handog, a tradition that started in 1987 in Abalos’ first term as mayor.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the city distributed Pamaskong Handog to residents of the city.
In Marikina City, Mayor Marcy Teodoro and First District Rep. Maan Teodoro lead the distribution of bags containing several items for children from President Marcos Jr.
The Marikina government also provided snacks and umbrellas to children and their parents.
The event coincided with the 28th Cityhood Anniversary of Marikina at the Marikina Sports Center.
BALANCED MEALS
With numerous Christmas parties expected in the coming days, the Department of Health (DOH) is reminding the public to go for balanced meals.
In a series of social media posts, the DOH urged the public to prepare balanced meals instead of the usual fatty, oily, and unhealthy foods.
“Avoid foods that are salty, fatty, and sweet,” said the DOH. “It’s better to eat together food that is balanced and in moderation.”
It said the public can use the “Pinggang Pinoy” concept with a balance of 33 percent rice, 33 percent vegetables, 17 percent meat, and 17 percent fruit.
“Use the Pinggang Pinoy as a guide for a nutritious meal,” said the DOH.
Aside from having a balanced menu for Christmas parties, the Department said it is important to apply food safety tips in preparing them.
It said food safety practices begin with frequent hand washing while preparing the meals.
“Dry your hands after handwashing so that it won’t attract bacteria,” said the DOH.
It also stressed that raw materials must always be separated from cooked meals to prevent contamination.
“Do not expose the food for more than two hours to prevent spoilage,” added the DOH. – With Gerard Naval and Christian Oineza
