Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 26) — The Kalayaan Grounds of Malacañang Palace were turned into a playground on Sunday as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led a national gift-giving program that aims to benefit over 17,000 children.
Now on its second year, the Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya program is an initiative of the Office of the President through the Office of the Social Welfare Secretary. It is supported by private partners, including Jollibee Foods Corporation and San Miguel Corporation, the Palace said.
During the event, Marcos again remembered his childhood and the Christmas gatherings that his father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, organized.
“Noong kasing tanda ko lang kayo, maliit din ako noon, ‘yung tatay ko isang presidente dito. Kaya bawat Pasko, ganito ang aming ginagawa dito,” he said.
[Translation: When I was your age, when I was also small, my father was president here. We would do this every Christmas.]
“Ngayon lamang, siyempre high tech na tayo, hindi lang dito sa Palasyo nagkakaroon ng maligayang Pasko at gift giving na ating gagawin ngayon, kundi sa iba’t-ibang lugar sa Pilipinas para naman lahat ng ating kabataan ay makaramdam ng Pasko,” he added.
[Translation: This time, because we have advanced technology, the Palace is not the only place where we can experience a merry Christmas and gift giving. We can now do it in many places, so that all the children can feel Christmas.]Food booths and play areas were placed on the Kalayaan Grounds. A band and choir performed Christmas songs, and the event was streamed to the satellite centers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
“Christmas is really about the children, and we always have a merry Christmas when the children have a good Christmas… We are just so happy. Ito ang ibig sabihin ng Christmas spirit [This is what the Christmas spirit means],” Marcos said.
The president also said the gift-giving event was a good break from his routine as he can make children happy.
“Ito ay malaking kaibahan sa ginagawa namin araw-araw na seryosong trabaho. Ito, puro katuwaan, puro saya,” he said.
[Translation: This is a big difference compared to the serious work that we do every day. This is pure fun.]Marcos also commended all workers who take care of children.
“Maraming salamat dun sa mga tumulong sa mga bata, those who are taking care of these children. We have to say kami, we take care of the children only kapag Pasko, kayo nandiyan kayo all year round, every year,” he said.
