The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s ongoing “Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2011: 25 Days of Christmas, 25 Years of PAGCOR” nationwide gift-giving project went to the province of Davao today to spread Yuletide joy among the blind youths of the Davao School and Rehabilitation Center for the Visually Impaired.

More than 60 wards of the three-hectare facility for blind school children in Davao City became the 17th day beneficiary of PAGCOR’s nationwide gift-giving project which started last November 25 and ends on December 19. All the students received special Christmas gift packs from PAGCOR.

Among them was 19-year old Edni Luz Mansueto who was born with an impaired vision. She shared that her disability has for some time made her think low of herself. In fact, she grew up a shy girl that she started quite late in her education.

Edni Luz is only on her third grade at the Davao School and Rehabilitation Center for the Visually Impaired. After realizing what schooling can do to change her personality and outlook in life, the once timid young girl is now driven with a great desire to rise above her disability and pursue big dreams.

“Natuto po akong magtiwala sa sarili kong kakakayahan simula nang mag-aral ako. Nakakalakad na po akong mag-isa. Pangarap ko po ngayon na makatulong sa pamilya ko para maiangat ang aming kabuhayan,” Edni Luz cited.

Not only has education helped Edni Luz adopt a positive disposition, it also taught her to be appreciative of all the blessings that come her way. No wonder, she felt overjoyed when she became part of PAGCOR’s gift-giving activity.

“Bawat regalo pong natatanggap ko ay itinuturing kong biyaya mula sa Panginoon kaya’t masayang-masaya po ako sa mga aginaldong ipinagkaloob sa amin ng PAGCOR,” Edni Luz enthused.

PAGCOR also granted the institution’s wish list of 65 mattresses and pillows, 24 lighting fixtures, 12 wall fans, 12 faucet fixtures, one computer with printer, one Xerox machine, one fax machine, one water dispenser, one water pump, tables and chairs for the school’s library and pails, food trays and kitchen utensils.

PAGCOR – through its Casino Filipino Davao branch - also donated materials for the renovation and repainting of the institution’s classrooms, playground and basketball court. The employees also showed the “bayanihan” spirit when they spearheaded the said outreach activity.

Leading in the distribution of gifts was Casino Filipino Davao Officer-in-Charge Michael Cendana. He was joined by Davao City Councilor Edgar Sibuyan, who represented Mayor Sarah Duterte; Davao School and Rehabilitation Center for the Visually Impaired Assistant Executive Director Jose Busto, Board Member Engr. Mariano Salazar and school volunteer Nenette Busto; and PAGCOR officers Bobby Elpa, Gil Manaligod and Gener Sarmiento.

“Nang una kaming magpunta rito, ang hangad namin ay makapagbigay-saya sa mga bata. Pero sa araw mismo ng gift-giving event ay baligtad ang nangyari dahil kami ang nakadama ng mas matinding kasiyahan sa mga regalo at serbisyong ipinagkaloob natin sa institusyong ito. This project was made possible through the initiative of PAGCOR Management under the leadership of Chairman Cristino Naguiat, Jr.,” said Cendana.

School principal Welmo Capoy expressed gratitude for the Christmas gifts from PAGCOR. He said the event made their celebration of the merry-making season very meaningful. “Words are not enough to convey our appreciation to this act of charity by PAGCOR. It not only made our students feel the joy of the season but more importantly, it carried the message that they are truly being loved and cared about. Maraming salamat din sa PAGCOR dahil hindi lang sila nagbigay ng regalo, nagsagawa rin sila ng outreach activity dito,” said Capoy.

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