MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. used Malacañang’s annual Christmas gift-giving program on Sunday to rally Filipinos toward gratitude and unity, saying the season should remind the nation of its blessings even as the country grapples with persistent challenges.
At the “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” event, Marcos told thousands of children and parents that Christmas provides an important pause for reflection—an opportunity, he said, for Filipinos to look beyond hardship and recognize what continues to uplift them.
“Nagpapasalamat kami na kahit mabigat ang hinaharap natin na mga hamon ay kahit paano mayroon tayong isang kaunting panahon, lalo na kapag Pasko, na kailangan naman nating maalala ang mga suwerte natin sa buhay, ang mga biyaya natin sa nakaraang taon,” he said.
Marcos stressed that children remain the nation’s “greatest blessing,” noting that they serve as the government’s driving force for service.
“The biggest treasure that we have in the Philippines are these: our children, the future of our country,” he said. “Kaming mga nagtatrabaho sa pamahalaan, kapag kami nakikita namin kayo, naaalala namin kaya kami nagtatrabaho, hindi para sa sarili namin, kung hindi para sa inyo.”
He added that seeing children reinforces the resolve of government workers. “Kaya tumitibay ang loob namin, lumalakas ang loob namin, nagiging kami mas masipag kapag nakikita namin kayo. Kayo ang dahilan sa lahat ng aming ginagawa.”
Marcos, accompanied by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their son Vinny, led the nationwide gift distribution at the Kalayaan Grounds alongside Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
The President also joined children in games, including the traditional pabitin.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, over 3,000 people attended the Malacañang gathering, which featured inflatables, circus acts, activity booths, games, and food stalls. Children from nearby barangays received gifts during the program.
Nationwide, more than 19,000 children are expected to benefit from the initiative, now on its fourth year. The activity was simultaneously held in 78 public schools and 56 DSWD satellite centers across the country./PN
