Education Secretary Sonny Angara joined the Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Pamaskong Handog ng Presidente Year 4, the annual gift-giving initiative of Office of the President in Malacañang, while the Department of Education (DepEd) held the simultaneous celebration in all public schools in Luzon, Visayas at Mindanao.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the main program at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang, featuring games, performances and the distribution of gift packs to kids.
“Ang pinakamalaking biyaya, the biggest treasure that we have here in the Philippines is our children, the future of our country.”
“Kami ay nagpapasalamat, na kahit mabigat ang hinaharap natin na mga hamon, kahit papaano, mayroon tayong kaunting panahon, lalo na kapag Pasko, na kailangan naman natin maalala na ang mga swerte natin sa buhay, at mga biyaya natin sa isang taon. Ang pinakamalaking biyaya, the biggest treasure that we have here in the Philippines is our children, the future of our country,” Marcos said.
According to Angara, regional at division offices supervised the activity in all schools, including the distribution of gifts in every school and the participation of the community.
More than 140 learners in every school participated in the performances, games, and Christmas gatherings.
“Ang bawat batang Pilipino ay may karapatang maramdaman ang diwa ng Pasko at ang pag-asa na dala nito,” the education chief stressed.
“Kaya habang nagpapatuloy ang aming mga programa gaya ng feeding, tutorials, at ang pagbibigay ng connectivity sa pinakamalayong paaralan, mahalaga ring ipadama na may gobyernong nagmamalasakit at handang umalalay. Ang simpleng handog ngayong araw ay paalala na hindi sila nag-iisa sa kanilang paglalakbay sa pagkatuto,” the education head added.
The program continues the tradition of the Palace to open its doors for less privileged children every Christmas – an annual activity that highlights the importance of bringing happiness and care to communities.
“Ang simpleng handog ngayong araw ay paalala na hindi sila nag-iisa sa kanilang paglalakbay sa pagkatuto.”
This year’s Pamaskong Handog is an initiative of the Office of the President, DepEd, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
It also included the distribution of Starlink satellite devices in selected schools as part of the nationwide campaign for digital empowerment.
The President was able to interact with other participating students in the country through livestream feed in the program held at Malacañang.
Angara thanked all the officials and personnel of DepEd who helped in the program.
“In the end, ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko ay pagkalinga,” he said.
“At kung kaya nating dalhin ang saya at pag-asa sa bawat paaralan, mas malapit tayo sa layunin na ang bawat batang Pilipino ay makapag-aral, makatapos, at magkaroon ng mas magandang bukas,” Angara concluded.
