The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) shared its blessings to 300 children under the guidance of the Metro Ministries International Philippines during the 15th day of the "Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2011: 25 Days of Christmas, 25 Years of PAGCOR" gift-giving project.

During the event, PAGCOR granted the Christmas wish list of the foundation which included a multi-media projector with screen, sound system, lapel microphone, computer with printer, and grocery items. PAGCOR also distributed gift bags of assorted goodies and toiletries to all the children-beneficiaries.

According to Metro Ministries' Director Minette De Joya, the children live in the slums of Sitio Damayan in Tondo. "Among all the sites being reached by our Sunday school programs, it is Sitio Damayan that needs the most help,” she said.

Metro Ministries International Philippines is a Christian organization formed in 2001 with a mission to inculcate a God-like character among children living in poor urban communities through Sunday school projects.

De Joya shared that for a poverty-stricken community like Sitio Damayan, raising awareness about God’s love is an important way of encouraging the kids to stay away from destructive behaviors that are somehow acquired from the tough living conditions in slum areas.

Eleven-year old Jonafe Quilim has been living in Sitio Damayan most of her life. At a very young age, she was already exposed to offensive languages, illegal gambling and bullying from other people. When her parents heard of the Metro Ministries' Sidewalk Sunday School, they encouraged Jonafe to attend the program.

Jonafe says she has learned to appreciate the valuable teachings of the Metro Ministries. "Dahil po sa Salita ng Diyos, nagkaroon po ako ng disiplina. Kapag may mga umaaway sa akin sa school, hindi ko na lang po pinapansin. Kasi yon po ang turo sa amin. Ang wag makikipag-away."

Jonafe added PAGCOR’s Pamaskong Handog 2011 is also another way of experiencing God's love for children like her. “Salamat po sa inyong maagang Pamasko sa aming lahat.”

Tom Consolacion, Officer-in-Charge of Casino Filipino Hyatt, was grateful that PAGCOR had the opportunity to serve the wards of Metro Ministries. "Kung ano ang galak na nararamdaman ninyo ngayon, doble ang galak na aming nararamdaman, dahil ito ang pagkakataong maipamahagi ang biyaya ng PAGCOR sa inyong lahat," he said during the gift-giving activity held at the Joyful Mission Church in Tondo.

PAGCOR’s HRDD Officer-in-Charge Lilibeth Lazaro also graced the occasion and provided inspiration to the impoverished children. "May mga tao sa inyong buhay, katulad ng mga tao sa PAGCOR, na ibibigay ng Panginoon. Handa silang tumulong para hindi tayo habangbuhay na nakalugmok sa ating sitwasyon," she said.

Henry Reyes, PAGCOR’s Assistant VP for Community Relations and Services Department, Miss Casino Filipino 2011 Catrine Rosary Ocampo, and the officers and staff of Casino Filipino Hyatt led the distribution of gifts to the children.

The wards of Metro Ministries were also entertained during the event by veteran singer-comedienne Nanette Inventor, Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 alumni Hansen Nichols, and the PAGCOR Voice Symphony.

PAGCOR’s Pamaskong Handog Project commenced on November 25 and ends on December 19. It will benefit more than 7,000 beneficiaries in 36 charitable institutions nationwide.

Go back