Marcos gives Christmas gifts to 600 children

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 4) – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos gave Christmas gifts to 600 children on Sunday.

The children were invited to the “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya: Nationwide Gift Giving” held at the Kalayaan Grounds of Malacañan Palace. According to Radio Television Malacañang, they were treated to a day of games and playtime with inflatables.

"Hindi kumpleto ang kahit anong Pasko kung hindi natin nakikita ang ngiti at tuwa ng ating mga anak, ang ating mga apo, ang ating mga kabataan,” Marcos said during the event.

[Translation: Christmas is incomplete if we do not see the smiles and happiness of our children, grandchildren, our youth.]

“Kaya't this is a very, very happy day for me dahil tradisyon ito dati pa, dito sa Palasyo, gumagawa kami ng children’s party pag Pasko para naman lahat—nakasiguro tayo— lahat ng ating kabataan sa buong Pilipinas ay mayroong Pasko, at mayroong konting party, may konting gift-giving, may konting palaro,” he added.

[Translation: This is a very, very happy day for me because it has been a tradition here in the Palace to hold a children's party during Christmas to ensure that all our children in the Philippines will enjoy Christmas, with some party, gift-giving, and games.]

During the event, a group of children sang “O Holy Night” before the President and his wife.

The gift-giving was simultaneously held in more than 40 locations across the country. The event was organized by the Office of the President, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the Department of Health, local government units, and volunteer groups. Representatives of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office were present to help distribute gifts.

On Saturday night, Marcos led the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds.