By Priam Nepomuceno/PNA
MANILA — With the Yuletide Season now in full swing, 400 scholars of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday received Christmas gift packs from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato said recipients are children of active, wounded, and deceased military personnel who are continuing their studies through the help of the AFP Educational Benefits System.
They came from various areas in National Capital Region and Luzon participating in the third “Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR” that started in 2016, he added.
AFP deputy chief-of-staff for personnel, Major Gen. Erickson Gloria, presided over the event held at the General Headquarters Canopy Area in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
He represented Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr, AFP deputy chief-of-staff, who is also the chairman of the AFP Educational Benefit System.
“I express my appreciation to PAGCOR for being one of our partners in recognizing the gallantry of our soldiers. Our partnership is very instrumental in turning the lives of soldiers’ children towards the fulfilment of their dreams,” Gloria added.
Also present in the activity is Lt. Col. Antonio Dulunuan Jr, AFP Educational Benefits System Office (AFPEBSO) chief and Jimmy Bondoc, PAGCOR vice president for corporate social responsibility.
The AFP, through the AFPEBSO, continues to partner with other agencies and organizations as part of its mission to uplift the morale and welfare of its members. It also conducts fund-raising projects to further support its growing number of grantees.
Following the gift-giving activity, the AFPEBSO held the draw for its “P50 Mo, Aral Ko” raffle project.
Winners received up to PHP80,000 worth of prizes. The proceeds of the ticket sales will be used to boost financial assistance being given to current grantees.
As of December 2018, the AFPEBSO is serving more than 3,500 grantees nationwide. Most of which are dependents of soldiers who were either killed or wounded in battle.
Since its establishment in 2001, the office has already helped around 5,000 dependents to finish their studies through various law-mandated and partnership programs.
