By Brian Campued
“The biggest treasure that we have here in the Philippines are these, our children, the future of our country.”
Underscoring the administration’s commitment to creating meaningful Christmas experiences for Filipino children, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and presidential son Vinny Marcos led the annual “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya 2025” nationwide gift-giving event at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañan Palace on Saturday.
Some 3,000 children, including those from the residential care facilities of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and nearby barangays, were welcomed with several kiddie entertainment booths and activities
In a short speech, Marcos Jr. highlighted the importance of seeing children happy as their presence not only brings joy and warmth but also empowers the government and the nation in overcoming various challenges.
“Kaya ako, kami ay nagpapasalamat na kahit na mabigat ang hinaharap natin na mga hamon ay kahit papano meron tayong isang kaunting panahon, lalo na pag Pasko, na kailangan naman natin maalala ang mga swerte natin sa buhay, ang mga biyaya natin sa nakaraang taon,” said the President.
Simultaneous gift-giving activities were also conducted in 56 Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Centers and in 78 Department of Education (DepEd) schools nationwide, benefitting over 19,000 children.
The “Balik Siglay, Bigay Saya” was launched in 2022 by the Office of the President, becoming a tradition under the Marcos Jr. administration.
“Kaming mga nagtatrabaho sa pamahalaan, kapag kami nakikita namin kayo, naaalala namin kaya kami nagtatrabaho, hindi para sa sarili namin, kung hindi para sa inyo,” the President said.
“Kaya tumitibay ang loob namin, lumalakas ang loob namin, nagiging kami mas masipag kapag nakikita namin kayo, kayo ang dahilan sa lahat ng aming ginagawa.”
-jpv
