PBBM, DSWD chief bring early Christmas cheers to kids in residential care facilities

A day after the start of the Christmas season, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, accompanied by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, led the gift-giving for children in two residential care facilities in the National Capital Region (NCR).

President Marcos first visited the Marillac Hills – National Training School for Girls (NTSG), a DSWD-managed center in Muntinlupa City, where he handed early holiday gifts such as groceries, toiletries, rice, and blankets to the children-residents of the center.

"Kahit na tinamaan tayo ng kung anu-anong bagyo, kahit na nasunugan ang mga iba't ibang lugar, kahit papaano tiyakin natin tayong lahat, lahat ng Pilipino, lalo na itong mga maliliit, itong mga bata, ay makaramdam ng pasko," President Marcos said on Monday (December 2) during the distribution of presents at the Marillac Hills-NTSG.

The Marilac Hills-NTSG provides residential care and rehabilitation to minor girls from ages 7 to 17 years old who are children in conflict with the law (CICL) and victim-survivors of sexual abuse and human trafficking.

The children admitted to the center are provided with a range of programs and services tailored to support their rehabilitation. These include formal education and practical skills development, aimed at providing the young women with essential knowledge and livelihood skills to prepare them to reintegrate into their families or communities.

"Basta kami sa pamahalaan titiyakin namin lahat ng Pilipino ay may merry Christmas ngayong 2024," the President emphasized.

After the gift-giving in Muntinlupa City, the President and the DSWD chief headed to the Manila Boys Town Complex to provide the same gifts to the residents of the complex.

"Huwag niyo pong iisipin na hindi kayo namin inaalala. At kung anuman ang pangangailangan ninyo, nandiyan po ang ating mga local government officials, nandiyan po ang ating DSWD," President Marcos said, as he assured the residents of the Manila
Boys Town of the government's assistance event after the holiday season.

The Manila Boys Town in Marikina City is a juvenile and senior citizen care facility managed by the City of Manila.

The institution provides care and support to children and senior citizens in street situations in the Capital City.

"Lahat po ay ating ginagawa para patuloy po na matupad iyang aming panalangin na lahat ng Pilipino ay maramdaman 'yung Christmas spirit," the President said in his message.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Rozzano Rufino "Ruffy" Biazon and DSWD Undersecretary for Operations Monina Josefina Romualdez were also present during the gift-giving activities. (DSWD)