President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday organized an event to distribute Christmas gifts to 400 street children in Metro Manila, noting that "Christmas is for children."

Dubbed the "Pangkabuhayan at Pamaskong Handog ng Pangulo at Unang Ginang sa Sambayanang Pilipino" at the Open Amphitheater in Rizal Park, Manila, Marcos led the gift-giving and distribution of livelihood aid to beneficiaries identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Each child beneficiary receives food packs and gift packs containing toys and books.

Aside from children, 574 individuals and families, including several members of indigenous people groups, received Christmas gifts from the President during the event.

Each adult beneficiary receives 6 kilograms of rice, other grocery items, hygiene kits, and cash assistance from the DSWD's Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program.

Marcos said his government organized Thursday's event so children could feel the spirit of Christmas, by assisting their families.

Through the gift-giving event, Marcos said families could have some respite during the holidays and feel that there's a brighter future despite the present challenges.

Speaking before the beneficiaries, Marcos urged them to foster the spirit of unity during the holiday season, stressing that the country could weather the present challenges if Filipinos unite and work together.

"That's why it's necessary, even though we're suffering now, even though there's still a pandemic, the economy is slowly coming back and somehow we're still making ends meet —we cannot recover if we don't work together," Marcos said.

"This is what I have been saying, due to the circumstances we, Filipinos, have been going through, we have faced all the challenges that have come because there is the life of the Filipino. We are strong, we are brave.

But we cannot do this if we do not work together if we are alone," he added.

At the same time, Marcos once again invited the public to go to Malacañang for the Simbang Gabi and Christmas Tree and parol viewing after he announced the opening of the Palace grounds to ordinary people.

"I will also invite you (because) we opened the Palace for the Simbang Gabi… so it is open from 7 p.m. in the evening, until about 6 a.m.," the President said.

"The children, I'm sure, will be happy and you will have something to eat. So you are all welcome. The Palace is open," he added.

Billed as "Tara sa Palasyo," Malacañang is open to the public until 24 December from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m.