Now on its second year of implementation, the Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project of the state-run gaming firm which aims to help the most marginalized sectors of society. The project this year is bigger in scope in terms of the budget allocation, number of institutions and beneficiaries that have been chosen to become part of the various gift-giving events nationwide. PAGCOR’s 25 days of gift-giving commenced on November 25 and ends on December 19.

“PAGCOR is spending P25 million for the implementation of our Pamaskong Handog project. We will have more than 7,000 beneficiaries from 36 charitable institutions in Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Pampanga, Tagaytay, Olongapo, Bulacan and Rizal,” said PAGCOR President and Chief Operating Officer Jorge Sarmiento who graced the gift-giving event at the Pangarap Foundation.

According to him, “PAGCOR goes beyond its revenue-generation efforts for the government. We also contribute to nation building through our CSR programs. At dahil Christmas ngayon, we have to share our blessings. When you build a nation hindi mo dapat nakakalimutan yung mga tunay na nangangailangan.”

“Malapit sa puso ng PAGCOR ang ating mga kapuspalad na mga kababayan, katulad ng mga batang ito na nasa pangangalaga ng Pangarap Shelter. Through our Pamaskong Handog project, we hope we were able to make them feel that there are people who care about them and who will be ready to extend a helping hand to them,“ said Sarmiento.

PAGCOR gave special Christmas gift packs containing grocery items and toiletries to the wards and support staff of Pangarap Foundation. The agency likewise granted the center’s Christmas wish list for one 42” LED TV, one 24 cu. ft. Refrigerator, two video cameras, one computer set with printer, one component system, two karaokes, and two DVD players. These will be used by the beneficiaries of the foundation who are all living in the center.

Bro. Franciso Tanega, Executive Director of the Pangarap Shelter for Street Children, sees the charity event as a fundamental step in societal development. “We always say that those who help the needy are not just doing charity work – they are also making a very wise social investment. By helping and taking care of these poor children, we can be assured of having a progressive society in the future.”

Established by a group of housewives known as Ina-Anak Inc. and a congregation of religious brothers called Sons of Mary, the Pangarap Shelter for Street Children has provided comfort and refuge for troubled boys from the streets since 1989. The institution implements educational and livelihood assistance, as well as counselling and therapy programs to aid in the rehabilitation and reintegration of their wards back to society.

Just like the other beneficiaries of the institution, 13-year-old Jessie - the youngest among the boys – was brought by his parents to Pangarap Shelter for him to be able to get a good education. His family lives in Tondo and his parents eke out a living by selling clothes in Divisoria.

“Wala po kasing pampaaral ang mga magulang ko sa akin, kaya dinala nila ako sa Pangarap Shelter. Para daw po makapag-aral ako at para po makahanap ng disenteng trabaho balang araw ng makaahon din kami sa kahirapan,” Jessie said. Now in Grade 2 in a public elementary school in Pasay, Jessie dreams of becoming an Engineer someday.

According to Jessie, the early Christmas gift they got from PAGCOR will go a long way in helping the boys at the Pangarap foundation. “Malaki po ang maitutulong ng mga binigay ng PAGCOR sa pag-aaral namin. Lalo na po yung computer, makakatulong po sa paggawa ng mga assignments namin. Salamat po sa PAGCOR, sana wag silang magsasawa sa pagtulong.”

On the other hand, Mario Tusay - a 17-year-old vegetable vendor from Baseco, Tondo - is currently pursuing his education through the educational assistance program of Pangarap Shelter. Now in Sixth Grade, Mario continues to persevere in his studies so that he can realize his dream of becoming a ship captain someday.

“Kaya po ako nagpunta dito para makapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Pangarap ko po maging kapitan ng barko. Kapag naging kapitan po ako, mas mabilis ko pong matutulungan ang pamilya ko,” he said. Mario also plans to put up an institution like the Pangarap Shelter for Streetchildren someday. “Gusto ko rin po makapagpatayo ng center kagaya ng Pangarap. Para po makatulong sa ibang bata na tulad po namin. Kasama po sila sa mga pangarap ko,” he shared.

Also present during the Pamaskong Handog event in Pangarap Foundation were Mayor Antonio Calixto, PAGCOR’s Community Relations and Services Department Assistant VP Henry Reyes, and Casino Filipino Heritage Branch Manager Arthur Malatag.

“Napakaganda ng ginagawa ng Pangarap Foundation para sa ating mga kabataan dito sa Pasay. Nakita ko ang mga nagawa na nila these past years at madami na silang natulungan,” Mayor Calixto said. “Gusto kong pasalamatan ang PAGCOR para sa mga regalong binigay nila sa mga bata. Malaking tulong ang mga ito. Sana ay mas marami pang matulungan ang PAGCOR.”

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