A day after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. spread Christmas cheer at Malacañang Palace, he visited several institutions in Metro Manila to deliver gifts.
On Tuesday, he paid the residents of Marillac Hills and the Haven for Women in Muntinlupa City a visit, bringing government assistance to the victims of sexual abuse and exploitation.
He brought 20 50-kilogram sacks of rice to Marillac Hills and 10 sacks to the Haven for Women. The beneficiaries also received food packs, medicines, vitamins, toiletries and infant supplies.
“I’m very happy that I was able to come again. I felt our Christmas spirit again,” Marcos said in his speech. The residents performed a “Thank You” song for the President. “Thank you very much for your performance; I know that it didn’t happen all of a sudden,” he said. He also teased the performers, saying that even though the music played incorrectly, their confidence remained strong.
“I know that you worked hard and practiced for this. Like I said, you are getting better and better. We thought we were here to bring you gifts to make you happy, but you made us happy. Thank you very much,” the President said.
Marcos said that even though multiple storms had ravaged the country and communities had lost their homes to fire, Christmas should still be celebrated.
“I hope that, even though we were hit by typhoons and various areas were affected by fire, we can at least make sure that all Filipinos, especially the children, can feel Christmas,” he said.
“Even if they were victims of the typhoon or were left behind in evacuation centers, we in the government will ensure that all Filipinos have a Merry Christmas in 2024,” he added.
Marcos also thanked the Rotary Club of Bagumbayan-Manila which had brought gifts.
“Every time I come here, they are here to make sure the people here feel Christmas,” he said.
The President also visited the Manila Boys Town complex in Marikina City. The local governments of Manila and Marikina distributed food packs, health kits, blankets, towels, mops and other essentials to the elderly and children under their care.
“We will continue to help you. We will continue to think of you. Don’t think for even a moment that you have been forgotten or that you are no longer being thought of. You are always in our thoughts,” Marcos said.
He noted that Christmas is the most important holiday for Filipinos, the time to spend with loved ones.
“We continue to do everything that we can so we can fulfill our prayer that all Filipinos can say, ‘We feel the Christmas spirit.’”
