In the spirit of Christmas, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos over the weekend led the gift-giving activity for 193 dependents of 104 fallen police officers, firefighters, and jail personnel at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Similar gift-giving activities were held in other parts of the country. The total number of beneficiaries reached 535.

"Ginawa namin ang araw na ito [gift-giving activity] dahil ang kabayanihan ng inyong anak, ng inyong asawa na binigay ang buhay sa ating bansa ay hinding-hindi po natin makakalimutan," Abalos said, who was grateful for their sacrifices.

Most of the gift packs came from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Ayala Corporation also distributed 100 health cards while SM Malls gave away 200 stuffed toys.

Abalos said the gift-giving activity was a simple acknowledgment and expression of their gratitude to the families of the departed personnel, whom he called the unsung heroes of our time.

"Not only did our departed personnel bear the sacrifice of giving up their lives for the country, most of all, kayo po iyon," he said.

"Ang mga pamilya ng ating kapulisan, mga bumbero, at mga jail personnel natin ang kasamang nagsakripisyo. Muli po, ang aming pasasalamat," Abalos continued.

In a related development, Abalos presented tokens of appreciation to their partner stakeholders, such as PCSO, Ayala Corporation, SM Malls, Donate Philippines, BJMP Mutual Benefits Association Inc., and BJMP Multi-Purpose Cooperative.

With Abalos during the activity were PNP Chief PGen Benjamin Acorda Jr., BFP Chief Fire Director Louie Puracan, BJMP Chief Jail Director Ruel Rivera, and other officials of the DILG.