PAGCOR brings Yuletide treat to poor and compromised children
Thu | 12.6.2018 | 6:00 PM
Moments like these make Christmas season more special for children.A FESTIVE Yuletide treat greeted some 300 impoverished and abused children, 19 days before Christmas as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chose the Center of HOPE in Baseco Compound in Port Area, Manila as the second-day beneficiary of its annual gift-giving project.
HOPE worldwide Philippines, Inc. is a non-profit, non-government, faith-based organization that provides day care services, advocates child rights awareness and conducts community-based treatment to physically and sexually abused children.
The beneficiaries, who came from the institution’s three branches in Manila, Quezon City and Laguna, enjoyed a fun-filled party replete with food and entertainment. PAGCOR also handed each children noche buena gift packs containing ham, cheese, canned goods and pasta noodles, among others.
It was the second time that the state gaming firm hosted a grand Christmas celebration for HOPE. PAGCOR carried out a similar event at its Center in Biñan City, Laguna in 2015.
“We’re always on the lookout for generous sponsors to make these children, who came from the poorest sectors of the society --– happy. Some of them were physically and sexually abused. We’re very fortunate that PAGCOR chose us again as beneficiary of its gift-giving project and once more made the celebration of the Yuletide season very special for these disadvantaged kids,” said Center of HOPE Executive Director Moises Velasco Jr.
Event host Casino Filipino (CF) Satellite Operations Group (SOG) 1 Branch Manager Jethro Chancoco led the distribution of gift packs, along with some volunteers from CF-Manila Bay. The activity was also graced by VP for Corporate Social Responsibility Group Jimmy Bondoc.
“Getting involved in an event like this makes me appreciate what I have and opens my eyes on how I can be of help to people in need,” Chancoco said.
PAGCOR kicked off its annual gift-giving tradition last December 4. Over 13,000 individuals under the care of 30 institutions nationwide are expected to benefit from this undertaking.