Posted: Monday | December 19, 2011 | 10:10 AM

BENEFICIARIES of the Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB) proudly wear the sunglasses they received from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) during the 22nd day of the “Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2011: 25 Days of Christmas, 25 years of PAGCOR” gift-giving project held at the institution’s multi-purpose hall in Pasay City on December 16.

Miss Casino Filipino 2011 Catrine Rosary Ocampo hands over a Christmas gift pack to a blind ward of the Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB) in Pasay City during the 22nd day of the “Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2011: 25 Days of Christmas, 25 years of PAGCOR” gift-giving project on December 16.

The celebration of the Christmas season became extra special for 89 visually impaired youths under the care of the Philippine National School for the Blind (PNSB) after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) visited their facility in Pasay City today on the 22nd day of the “Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2011: 25 Days of Christmas, 25 years of PAGCOR” nationwide gift-giving project.

Christmas presents literally flooded PNSB’s multi-purpose hall as the foundation’s beneficiaries received stylish sunglasses and individual gift packs containing food and personal items. PAGCOR also granted PNSB’s Christmas wish list of two 2HP split-type air-conditioner, one gas range oven, one food processor, one osterizer, cookware and bakeware sets, one computer with 3-in-1 printer, a 24-port switch hub, six AVRs, and bookbinding and laminating machines.

Among the beneficiaries of the gift-giving event is 16 year-old Roselle Dizon. Blind since birth, Roselle never had the chance to literally witness the color and beauty of the Christmas season. But despite her disability, Roselle has always maintained a cheerful disposition, finding happiness in getting simple presents like what she received from PAGCOR.

“Hindi po araw-araw na nakakatanggap kami ng mga ganitong regalo kaya’t napakasarap po sa pakiramdam na may mga taong nagmamalasakit para mapasaya kami ngayong Pasko. Biyaya po mula sa Panginoon itong mga natanggap namin mula sa PAGCOR,” Roselle gladly noted.

PNSB Principal Rosalie Condes said the items donated by PAGCOR to the institution will further enhance their delivery of service to their beneficiaries. She added that PNSB’s brand new facilities will also allow them to accommodate more students in the coming years while ensuring that their primary needs are met while in school.

“Words are not enough to express how grateful we are for these Christmas gifts given by PAGCOR. We have always endeavored to create better learning opportunities for our handicapped students, and these presents would certainly help us carry out this noble effort. Maraming, maraming salamat sa PAGCOR sa mga Pamaskong ito,” she said.

Leading in the distribution of gifts were PAGCOR AVP for Community Relations Henry Reyes, Casino Filipino Pavilion General Manager Danilo Cuneta, Casino Filipino Heritage Branch Manager Arthur Malatag, and Miss Casino Filipino 2011 Catrine Rosary Ocampo.

Reyes cited that PAGCOR is honored to have been of help to the students of PNSB. “Natutuwa kami at nakatulong tayo sa isang institusyon sa ilalim ng Department of Education. Masarap sa pakiramdam na hindi lang sa pagpapatayo ng classroom nakakatulong ang PAGCOR kundi maging sa pagkakaloob ng mga pangangailangan ng mga visually-impaired na mag-aaral,” he said.

Meanwhile, popular acoustic singer Paolo Santos and the PAGCOR Voice Symphony provided entertainment by serenading the event beneficiaries and guests. Selected students from the PNSB also did song and dance presentations to add color to the event.

PAGCOR’s Pamaskong Handog project, which began on November 25 and ends on December 19, has more than 7,000 beneficiaries from 36 charitable institutions nationwide. The project is PAGCOR’s way of celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.