AFP scholars receive Yuletide treats from PAGCOR on 8th day Pamaskong Handog
Tue | 12.18.2018 | 12:00 NN
PAGCOR’s VP for Corporate Social Responsibility Jimmy Bondoc together with AFP scholar Reyana Ramona Mariano.
PAGCOR’s VP for Corporate Social Responsibility Jimmy Bondoc serenades AFP scholars during PAGCOR’s 8th day of Pamaskong Handog 2018.Growing up without a father is something that 15-year-old Reyana Ramona Mariano has known all her life. Even before she saw the light of day, her dad – then a young soldier assigned in Maguindanao -- was killed in combat. Reyana’s newly-wed mother had no choice but to raise her child alone.
Life may be quite difficult for Reyana and her mom, along with the hundreds of children whose parent died in line with the call of duty. But not all is lost for the dependents of the country’s unsung heroes.
Through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Educational Benefit System Office (EBSO), they are still ensured of a bright future.
The AFP-EBSO is the Morale and Welfare Office of the AFP founded to provide educational benefits to dependents of soldiers who were killed or wounded in combat.
Reyana shared that AFP-EBSO’s educational aid helps her to realize her dreams. “Etong educational assistance ng AFP, ang laking tulong sa akin kasi kahit wala ng ang father ko, parang may naga-guide pa din sa akin. Napapa-aral pa din ako. Natutulungan pa din akong maabot ang mga pangarap ko,” Reyana enthused.
On December 15, 2018, AFP-EBSO was the 8th day beneficiary of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) Pamaskong Handog 2018.
During the grand Christmas party held at the AFP General Headquarters Canopy Area, some 400 AFP scholars received Yuletide treats from PAGCOR.
AFP Deputy Chief-of-staff for Personnel, Major Gen. Erickson Gloria, who graced the event thanked PAGCOR for consistently reaching out to their scholars during the agency’s traditional gift-giving event. “I express my appreciation to PAGCOR for being one of our partners in recognizing the gallantry of our soldiers. Our partnership is very instrumental in turning the lives of soldiers’ children towards the fulfilment of their dreams,” Gloria added.
Meanwhile, PAGCOR’s Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility Jimmy Bondoc lauded the AFP-EBSO for its noble mission of helping the AFP scholars. “Losing a loved one is a very painful experience. But always remember that your loved ones did not die in vain. They bravely sacrificed their lives so that Filipinos can live peacefully,” he said.