131 children receive early Christmas gifts from PBBM
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY – A total of 131 children from the different areas of Caraga region received early Christmas gifts from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. under the “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” program.
These children are the brave little souls who were abandoned, and some survived incidents of abuses and sought refuge and shelter at the following centers:
1) Bahay Pag-asa (Home for Children in conflict with the law) in DoΓ±a Rosario, Tubay, Agusan del Norte;
2) Bahay Pag-asa at Purok Villa Julia, Barangay Rosario, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur;
3) Balay Silonganan Incorporated at Purok 6 Bangus St., Sitio Dalingdingan, Brgy. Pinamanculan, Butuan City;
4) Bethany Home of the Missionary Sisters of Mary, Incorporated at Km. 4 Baan 3, Butuan City;
5) Charisma Bethel Children’s Home, Incorporated at the residential facility in Purok 6 Brgy. Sema, Surigao City, Surigao del Norte;
6) Home for Girls and Abused Women of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) at Quirino St., Brgy. Poblacion, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur;
7) Gesu Eucaristico Children’s Incorporated at Purok 5, Km. 12, Brgy. Manapa, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte;
8) Home for Girls at Purok 4, Brgy. Bonbon, Butuan City;
9) Makabata Home, Incorporated at Sitio Tigbaway Balite, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte;
10) Ahon Community Care in Butuan City; and
11) Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY)
As among the beneficiaries of the said program, the girls (who preferred not to be named) at Gesu Eucaristico Children’s Incorporated felt overwhelmed by the president’s simple gesture of reaching out to them with all these early Christmas gifts.
“Thank you to our President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for this effort and initiative. We are so happy to be part of the Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya program of the government. We hope that more children will benefit from this all over the country,” they said.
Members of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office's Regional Management Committee (RMANCOM) headed the on-site activities in the respective facilities, ensuring that the generosity and compassion of the government is translated to the residents.
197 satellite venues participated in the nationwide simultaneous activity as it seeks to spread the joy of holiday season through the simple act of gift-giving to those who need it the most, focusing on children from 4-17 years old from DSWD-managed centers and residential care facilities (CRCFs), local government-run facilities (LGUs), and private social welfare development agencies (SWDAs).
The DSWD extends its warmest gratitude to the Office of the President for the continued efforts of the residents of the aforementioned facilities in the Caraga region.
Regional director Mari-Flor Dollaga-Libang of DSWD Caraga highlighted that the president has been very keen on monitoring the services and programs being provided to the children’s sector, making sure that these are sustainable and would directly address their concerns and special needs.
She further encouraged all other sectors to share their blessings with the different shelter facilities for the children and be able to contribute to their development and general well-being.
“Christmas season is a time for sharing our blessings, especially with our children, who need most of our attention, love, and care. In spite of the challenges, we, as duty-bearers, should continue to work together and provide the sector with the appropriate programs and services,” she remarked.
With 25 days before Christmas, the season of love and giving is already and truly felt by those who surely need it the most.
The Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya gift-giving activity was organized by the Office of the President through the Social Secretary’s Office, together with the DSWD and private groups. (JPG, PIA-Caraga/DSWD-Caraga)
