The state-owned gaming firm turned over four television sets, four computers with printers, four karaoke machines, four electric fans, and one digital camera to Akapin, which shall be used as learning aids for the wards of the foundation. PAGCOR also distributed gift bags containing grocery items and toiletries to the children and students of Akapin.

The foundation seeks, helps, and uplifts the lives of persons with disabilities (PWDs), children with special needs, and their parents. It supports individuals with hearing impairment, autism, down syndrome and intellectual disability.

Pricila Belen, mother of 12-year old and hearing-impaired Gerardo, had for the longest time, been struggling to accept the condition of her son. There were times when Gerardo would meet accidents when Pricila would be too busy to properly coach her son. "Dahil sa Akapin, natuto ako at aking anak na mag-sign language kaya natutunan namin kung paano mas unawain ang isa’t isa."

Now in Grade 4, Gerardo is now performing well in school. The well-behaved young boy has also achieved awards in English and Math.

Akapin Incorporated President Zenaida Guevarra said PAGCOR’s gift-giving activity is the biggest Christmas celebration ever held for the foundation’s beneficiaries. "First time po nangyaring nagsama-sama lahat ng miyembro namin sa iisang lugar, sa iisang malaking Christmas party."

Guevarra was thankful that PAGCOR remembered their institution this Christmas season. She is also hoping that PAGCOR will also be able to support the foundation’s other programs. "Sana po ay suportahan ng PAGCOR ang aming mga programang ilalatag para sa kapakinabangan ng mga batang may kapansanan para hindi nila makita ang sarili nila na pabigat sa lipunan," she said.

While children were the focus of this event, parents were also present to show their support. Akapin adheres to the belief that parents play a major part in their children's rehabilitation.

“Ang magulang po ay kailangang tumutok sa kanilang mga anak na may kapansanan. Kaya ang Akapin ay nagbibigay ng mga pagsasanay sa kanila para lalo nilang malaman ang pangangailangan ng kanilang mga anak.” she added.

John Javier, Assistant Manager of Community Relations and Services Department, lauded Akapin’s advocacy of protecting and providing social rehabilitation of children under their care.

"Napakaganda po ng hangarin ng Akapin. Ang layunin ng organisasyon ay hindi lang tumulong sa pamamagitan nang 'pag-abot' o 'pagpasa' kundi sa paglapit at 'pag-akap' sa mga taong nangangailangan," Javier said during the opening program held at the covered court of Malolos Central Elementary School.

Erlinda Fernando, President of the teachers association in Malolos Central Elementary School who graced PAGCOR’s gift giving event, also expressed her gratitude to the state-run gaming firm for previously helping 212 malnourished children in their school through the PAGCOR Feeding Program. "Sa katunayan, noong July 7, nagsimula na pong tumulong ang PAGCOR sa pamamagitan ng kanilang Feeding Program. They fed our undernourished and underweight students for 120 days. Salamat sa PAGCOR dahil naabot nila ang kanilang normal na timbang," she said.

Among the PAGCOR middle-level officers who graced the event were Assistant Vice President Wilza Magpusao, Transportation Unit Head Rolando Barredo, and Miss Casino Filipino 1st runner-up Glennifer Perido. The performances of OPM singer Renz Verano, Pinoy Dream Academy contestant Hansen Nichols, and the PAGCOR Voice Symphony added, fun and excitement to the occasion.

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