PAGCOR and MMDA give Metro Aides their first-ever grand Christmas party
Friday | December 14, 2012 | 1:30 PM
THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) together with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) gave more than a thousand metro aides their first-ever grand Christmas party during the 15th day of “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012” on December 14, 2012.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) gave more than 1,000 MMDA metro aides their first-ever grand Christmas party on December 14, 2012 at the MMDA parking lot in Guadalupe, Makati City. The state-owned gaming firm distributed noche buena gift packs to the street sweepers as part of its “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012” program.
Yuletide merriment filled the MMDA parking area in Guadalupe, Makati City as PAGCOR spearheaded a lively and entertaining party for the street sweepers of MMDA. PAGCOR also distributed noche buena gift packs to 700 metro aides while MMDA took care of the Christmas gift packs for an additional 500 street sweepers. The metro aides came from Marikina, Antipolo, Pateros, Pasay, Quezon City and Manila.
The state-owned gaming firm allocated more than P800,000 for the MMDA gift-giving party. Prior to this, PAGCOR also gave a grand Christmas celebration to 1,955 street sweepers from the cities of Pasay, Paranaque and Manila on December 10, 2012. The event was attended by President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.
PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat, Jr. said the Christmas party for the street sweepers is the agency’s way of expressing its gratitude to this hard working sector.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino expressed his gratitude to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for giving more than 1,000 Metro Aides a memorable Christmas party on December 14, 2012. PAGCOR allocated P800,000 for the Pamaskong Handog 2012 event for MMDA’s street sweepers.
“Malapit sa puso ng PAGCOR ang ating mga masipag at marangal na mga street sweepers. Sa pamamagitan ng aming gift-giving project ay hindi lamang po namin sila binibigyan ng maagang Pamasko. Sila din po ay aming pinaparangalan at pinasasalamatan sa kanilang malaking tulong upang patuloy na linisin at pagandahin ang ating mga komunidad at ang ating kapaligiran,” Naguiat noted.
MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the Pamaskong Handog event carried out by PAGCOR for the metro aides served as a fitting Christmas treat for the people whom he described as “heroes of the streets”.
“It’s but proper that we give them a truly merry celebration this Yuletide season given the efforts that they exert every day to maintain the cleanliness of our streets. We’re very thankful that PAGCOR under the leadership of Chairman Bong Naguiat helped us give a truly memorable and fun-filled event for our metro aides. Napakalaking bagay nito para sa amin dahil napasaya natin ngayong Kapaskuhan ang ating mga street sweepers,” Tolentino added.
The PAGCOR Voice Symphony performed during the grand Christmas party held by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for over 1,000 metro aides on December 14, 2012. The event is part of the ongoing “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012”.
Sixty-year-old Nidya Onoya who was among the street sweepers that crowded the party venue expressed her gratitude to PAGCOR for giving them their best Christmas party so far. “Labis po akong natutuwa sa party at mga regalong ibinigay sa amin ng PAGCOR. Sampung taon na akong metro aide. Ngayon lang po kami nakaranas ng ganito kasayang pagtitipon kaya’t taos-puso po akong nagpapasalamat sa PAGCOR.”
Onoya receives a daily pay of P448 for her street cleaning chores. She narrated that her job helps make ends meet for their family. “Biyuda na ako, may kanya-kanyang pamilya na ang tatlong anak ko. Kaya lang yung dalawa walang trabaho kaya tinutulungan ko sila. Ako ang bumubuhay sa anim kong apo. Malaking tulong itong pang-noche buena na ibinigay sa amin ng PAGCOR. Salamat po!”
PAGCOR’s annual nationwide Pamaskong Handog project was launched in December 2010 under the agency’s new management. The theme for this year revolves around the “bayanihan” concept of helping other people in need.
According to PAGCOR Chairman Naguiat, their employees are actively taking part in all the ongoing Pamaskong Handog activities nationwide. “In some institutions, PAGCOR workers and employees also joined hands in the renovation of existing facilities or construction of new structures for our beneficiaries.”
“Among those that we have so far turned over are the 300 square meter “healing garden” for the patients of the Philippine Orthopedic Center which aims to aid the patients in their speedy recovery. PAGCOR also renovated the hematology ward area at the National Children’s Hospital where children with life-threatening conditions like cancer are undergoing treatment,” Naguiat added.
The “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012” began on November 29, 2012 and will end on December 20, 2012. Close to 10,000 less fortunate Filipinos under the care of 42 government and charitable institutions all over the country have been chosen as beneficiaries. Touted as its biggest gift-giving ever, PAGCOR allocated a total of P27.5 million for its Pamaskong Handog project this year.