The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) today launched its 25 days of Christmas gift-giving activity by providing cheer to 350 mobility impaired and orthopedically handicapped individuals at the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan in Cainta, Rizal.

According to Chairman and CEO Cristino L. Naguiat Jr., the Pamaskong Handog Project this year coincides with the state-owned gaming firm’s Silver Anniversary. PAGCOR decided to allot its anniversary celebration funds to the project in the hope of uplifting the plight of the less fortunate.

He said PAGCOR chose Tahanang Walang Hagdanan as first beneficiary of its Pamaskong Handog project to symbolize the agency’s long-standing commitment to help the less privileged sectors of society such as persons with disability (PWDs). PAGCOR has provided assistance to the institution in the past by supporting its “Gulong sa Pagsulong Project,” which helps PWDs avail of mobility aids like wheelchairs, canes and crutches.

“Lahat tayo ay may karapatang umunlad sa buhay. Titingnan namin kung papaano pa kami makakatulong sa inyo,” the PAGCOR chief said to the beneficiaries during the gift-giving activity at the covered grounds of the institution.

Naguiat added that he would request the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to allot some of its confiscated logs to the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan for the foundation’s woodworking activities, which is one of the major sources of livelihood of its workers. The DENR is one of PAGCOR’s partner agencies for the PNOY Bayanihan Project, whose major objective is to make use of the confiscated logs in manufacturing school desks for the country’s public schools. PAGCOR provided a P100-million funding for the said project.

During the gift-giving event, PAGCOR fulfilled Tahanang Walang Hagdanan’s Christmas wish list – 10 wall fans, two split-type air conditioner, 30 sacks of rice, and grocery items. PAGCOR also distributed gift bags containing food items and toiletries to the 350 workers of the institution.

Joining the event are Mrs. Maria Theresa Socorro Naguiat, wife of the PAGCOR Chairman, and other officials of the agency such as Director Jose Tanjuatco, Corporate Communications Assistant VP Maricar Bautista, Entertainment Assistant VP Bong Quintana, and Community Relations and Services Assistant VP Henry Reyes.

Marcos Rabusto, 36, who works at the Metal Crafts Department of the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, said the foundation helped him find a greater purpose in life through its seminars and trainings. Rabusto got afflicted with polio at the age of two, which left him wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life. He said he owes much to the institution for helping him regain his self-worth and realize his dreams despite his disability.

Through the foundation, Rabusto did not only become productive and self-reliant; he also pursued his passion for basketball. After engaging in sports trials and trainings, he was able to compete at the 2009 ASEAN Paralympic Games in Thailand and Malaysia where he brought home bronze and silver medals. “Kapag gusto mo talaga ang isang bagay, wag kang mawawalan ng pag-asa. ‘Wag mong tingnan kung anong nawala sa iyo, kundi kung ano ang meron ka pa,” he said.

Joy Garcia, Chief Operating Officer of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan, said they are thankful that PAGCOR has always lent a helping hand to their foundation. She shared that they regularly receive recyclable materials like old slot machines from PAGCOR, which they utilize to manufacture new products like key chains, cardholders, and for the sidings of wheelchairs.

“We hope to continue our lifelong partnership with PAGCOR. The foundation will also make sure that it will continue to uplift the standard of living of people with disabilities so they won’t have to beg in the streets,” she said.

To make the Christmas celebration at Tahanang Walang Hagdanan truly colorful, celebrities like OPM singer and comedienne Nanette Inventor, Pinoy Dream Academy Season 2 contestant Hansen Nichols, and the PAGCOR Voice Symphony serenaded and provided entertainment to the beneficiaries.

Meantime, Administrator Rizalino Timbol of the Municipality of Cainta thanked PAGCOR for the help it has generously extended to their constituents. “Marami nang naitulong ang PAGCOR sa bayan ng Cainta. Maraming salamat sa maagang Pasko na ibinigay ng PAGCOR sa aming mga kababayan.”

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