President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. relived his childhood memories Sunday as he led the government's nationwide gift-giving program in Malacañang — a tradition, he said, his late father and namesake started.
Marcos, joined by his wife First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, distributed gift bags to around 600 children living in communities around the Malacañang complex in San Miguel, Manila.
In his speech, the Chief Executive said he's elated to see children in the Palace, saying Christmas is for children and the holiday season will never be complete without them.
"I'm very happy. Christmas will never be happy if we do not see the joy in our children, grandchildren, and the youth," he said.
"That is why this is a very happy day for me because it has been a tradition here in the Palace. We make a children's party here every Christmas to make every Filipino child experience Christmas," he added.
Mr. Marcos made a similar remark during the Christmas Tree lighting on Saturday evening, pointing out that the government has been doing everything to ensure Filipino children can celebrate Christmas.
The President revealed that the gift-giving event dubbed "Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya" was being simultaneously held in many other locations in the country.
"More than 40 locations around the Philippines also conducted an event similar to this to ensure that wherever they are in the Philippines we'll be able to bring Christmas to these children," he stressed.
The gifts the children in Malacañang received were provided through the generosity of private businesses as well as government agencies, including the Office of the President, Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.