FIFTY-seven year old Reynaldo Moya was earning a decent income as a carpenter until an accident that happened a year ago left him financially broke and his right leg paralyzed.

Desperate that he was unable to walk again, Moya thought of committing suicide until a friend referred him to the “Create a Job for the Disabled Association, Inc.” Through the institution’s help, he became functional again and now earns a living by collecting and selling junk materials.

Christmas this year became more memorable for Moya and the 200 beneficiaries of the “Create a Job for the Disabled Association, Inc.” after they were chosen as the 10th day beneficiaries of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation’s (PAGCOR) “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012”.

During the gift-giving event held on December 9, 2012 in Mandaluyong City, PAGCOR distributed noche buena gift packs to the 200 beneficiaries and donated wheelchairs for 25 handicapped members of the institution. Apart from the wheelchairs, PAGCOR also allocated more than half million pesos for the installation of an aluminum roll-up door, renovation and repainting of the Foundation’s office in Pandacan, Manila. PAGCOR also purchased other mobility aids for the institution’s beneficiaries like walking canes, crutches and walkers.

PAGCOR’s Assistant VP for Community Relations Henry Reyes said the gift-giving activity event was made possible by PAGCOR’s new management under Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat, Jr. “Since the new management assumed office in 2010, reaching out to the less privileged Filipinos through the Pamaskong Handog has become our annual tradition. We hope that with this project, we can continue to uplift the lives of those in need.”

The Christmas gift-giving at the “Create a Job for the Disabled, Inc.” was spearheaded by the officers and employees of PAGCOR’s Casino Filipino Pavilion branch. Pit Manager Jimmy Atienza said the branch chose the institution because they saw that it badly needed help.“Sa mga inikutan naming institution noong naghahanap kami ng mga beneficiaries, ito yung nakita namin na mas kailangan ng tulong. Hindi ganito yung itsura ng tanggapan nila dati,” he cited referring to the newly repainted and refurbished office of the institution.

Armando Alimagno, President of the “Create a Job for the Disabled, Inc.”, said their organization helps generate employment and other income generating opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Aside from equipping differently-abled individuals with skills and resources to become self-reliant and productive members of society, the institution also provides mobility devices to deserving PWDs. “Wala pong katumbas na saya ang nadarama namin sa tuwing kami’y nakakatulong sa nangangailangan.”

Alimagno said of all the Christmases they celebrated, this year is probably the most memorable because they were chosen as beneficiary of PAGCOR’s Pamaskong Handog project. “Sobrang saya po namin at ang aming mga tinutulungang indibidwal dahil bukod sa nabigyan kami ng mga regalo ng PAGCOR ngayong darating na Pasko, naayos pa ang aming munting tanggapan,” he shared.

The Christmas party for the “Create a Job for the Disabled, Inc.” was made more colorful with the participation of the PAGCOR Voice Symphony who serenaded the PWDs with Christmas carols. The event was also graced by Pinoy Dream Academy Second Star Dreamer Bugoy Drilon and Miss Casino Filipino 2012 Marie Loraine de Guzman.

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