Fri | 12.5.2019 | 09:00 AM

Close to 400 wards of Kaisahan ng mga Magulang at Anak na may Kapansanan (KAISAKA), Inc. are given a much needed respite from life challenges as PAGCOR brought them early Christmas cheers on the first day of the agency's gift-giving activities.

Soul Diva Jaya sings for the wards of the KAISAKA during PAGCOR's launch of gift-giving activities in Malate, Manila

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) Pamaskong Handog tradition kicked off on December 5, 2019 with a yuletide treat for close to 400 children with special needs together with their parents.

The children, who are under the care of Kaisahan ng mga Magulang at Anak na may Kapansanan (KAISAKA), Inc. received food and noche buena packs while being serenaded by R&B singer Jaya.

KAISAKA, Inc. is a non-profit organization of parents and caregivers of youth from the City of Manila who have special needs. Having around 700 beneficiaries, KAISAKA provides free therapy sessions, educational assistance, home program management, among others

Fifty-four-year-old Cecilia Suguitan, also known as Aling Bhuda, was elated after knowing that their organization would have an early Christmas celebration.

A member KAISAKA for three decades now, Aling Bhuda shared that caring for persons with special needs takes a lot of strength and patience. But being an active member of the organization enables her to serve others. It also fulfills the request of her son to continue being with the organization as a way of remembering him long after he is gone.

Aling Bhuda’s son passed away at the age of 16 due to muscular dystrophy, a hereditary disease that causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. While losing a son is already painful, her two grandchildren are also suffering from the same condition. But with the aid of generous institutions, they endure and find a reason to live. Unfortunately, having muscular dystrophy limits one’s life expectancy from 17 to 21.

Despite the pain, Aling Bhuda lives each day as it comes with hope in her heart. She is also thankful that agencies like PAGCOR chose to share its blessings to her grandchildren.

“We are very blessed because PAGCOR chose us as the first beneficiary of its Pamaskong Handog. Maraming salamat po sa inyo,” said KAISAKA officer Arlene Peralta who witnessed the joy in their wards’ eyes after receiving PAGCOR’s presents.

PAGCOR Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility Group Jimmy Bondoc who graced the gift-giving event, meanwhile explained to the members of KAISAKA that PAGCOR has always been striving to reach out to the less privileged Filipinos.

“Sa kabila po ng mga balakid sa pagbibigay serbisyo publiko, makakaasa po kayo na makakarating sa nararapat ang ating mga serbisyo,” he said.

PAGCOR allocated P25.69 million for this year’s Pamaskong Handog.

CF Manila Bay Branch Manager Enrile Esguerra, who also attended the gift-giving event together with his staff said that they are touched by the warmth of KAISAKA wards. “Isa lamang po sa programa ng PAGCOR ang Pamaskong Handog. Nandito po kami bilang mga ninong at ninang ninyo. Sana po kami ay makapagbigay ng ligaya sa inyo. Sana po ay maging maligaya ang ating Pasko,” he said.

Since 2010, PAGCOR has been holding yearly gift-giving mission for the less privileged and neglected sectors of the society. This year’s Pamaskong Handog will run until December 18, 2019 and will benefit selected charitable institutions in Metro Manila and communities near its provincial Casino Filipino branches in Angeles, Bacolod, Cebu, Davao, Laoag, Tagaytay and Olongapo.

Aside from KAISAKA, among other beneficiaries in Metro Manila are Parañaque National  High School, Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc., Filipino War Veterans Association, Inc., National School for Crippled Children, Municipality of Pateros, Senior Citizens, Day Care and Job Order Workers of Manila, Precious Heritage Ministries Foundation, Barangay Day Care and Health Workers of Mandaluyong and Pasay Cities.

Beneficiaries from the provinces include Federation of Senior Citizens in Pampanga in Pampanga; Bacolod Street Kids Feeding Training and Livelihood Program, Inc., and Kalipay Negrense Foundation, Inc., in Bacolod; Association of Disabled Persons Iloilo, Inc., in Iloilo; Hope of Mandaue and Homecare Center for Children in Cebu; Bahay Pasilungan, Children’s Joy Foundation and Co Su Gian Home for the Aged in Davao; St. Anthony’s Boys Village, Bukal ng Kapayapaan and Casa de Bambini in Cavite; and Municipal Social Welfare and Development and indigent families, PWDs and senior citizens in Ilocos.

Go back