ABOUT 300 indigent parishioners of “Ang Muling Pagkabuhay Ng Ating Panginoon Parish” in Bagong Silang, Caloocan City received early Christmas presents from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) during the second day of its “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012.” The gift-giving activity was held at the parish’s multi-purpose hall.

PAGCOR allotted over P800,000 for staging the event. The agency distributed Christmas gift packs containing grocery items to the 300 beneficiaries and also fulfilled the wish list of “Ang Muling Pagkabuhay Ng Ating Panginoon Parish”. The parish was given a blood pressure apparatus, weighing scales for adults and infants, two nebulizer units, a sound system with microphone, a mobile ultrasound, a stationary thermolator and 20 rolls of kinesiologic tape for free use of their less privileged parishioners.

PAGCOR President and COO Jorge Sarmiento, together with his wife Wawie Sarmiento, led the state-owned gaming corporation’s second day of gift-giving activity. They were welcomed by “Ang Muling Pagkabuhay Ng Ating Panginoon Parish” officials led by Parish Priest Marisi Palepale.

“Masaya kami dahil nagpunta kami dito sa Caloocan para handugan kayo ng Pamasko. So far, ito ang pinakamalaking Pamaskong Handog dahil 41 institutions ang aming matutulungan nationwide. Mula sa PAGCOR at sa aming Chairman Bong Naguiat, Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon,” Sarmiento said.

Father Larry Faraon was also there to witness PAGCOR’s gift-giving activity for the beneficiaries of “Ang Muling Pagkabuhay Ng Ating Panginoon Parish”. “Ito ay napakagandang proyekto ng PAGCOR dahil nagdudulot ito ng pag-asa sa mga bata. Ang munting kontribusyon na ito ng PAGCOR sa buhay ng mga beneficiaries ay makikita kung gaano kahalaga sa kanila balang araw,” said Father Larry. He is a part of the Diocese of Novaliches which is affiliated with “Ang Muling Pagkabuhay Ng Ating Parish”.

Since its founding in 2003, “Ang Muling Pagkabuhay Ng Ating Panginoon Parish” has successfully embarked on several noteworthy endeavors that aim to benefit the impoverished residents of Bagong Silang.

Father Palepale thanked PAGCOR for making the Christmas of the children and the community of Bagong Silang extra special. “Thank you so much for your willingness to help our community here in Bagong Silang. This project will definitely make a difference in the lives our beneficiaries. With your donations, we can further extend our services to more residents here in our community,” he said.

Sixteen-year old Jespher Jickain, an out-of-school youth who is now a student of the computer class being offered by “Ang Muling Pagkabuhay Ng Ating Panginoon Parish”, was grateful that PAGCOR gave help to their institution. “Napakaganda po ng regalo namin ngayong Pasko dahil sigurado na marami pong makikinabang na taga-Bagong Silang sa mga ibinigay po ninyo sa amin,” he said.

Jespher was referred by his barangay to the parish while waiting for the right opportunity to pursue his dream of going to college. “Binago po ng aming Parish ang buhay ko. Binigyan po nila ako ng pagkakataon na magpursigeng abutin ang pangarap ko kahit hirap kami ng pamilya ko,” shared Jespher.

Through the basic computer lessons being offered by the institution, Jespher will not be wasting his time while waiting for his chance to go to college. Due to his family’s financial difficulties, Jespher had to give way to his elder brother. Their parents could not afford sending two children to college.

Also present during the Pamaskong Handog gift-giving activity were PAGCOR Assistant VP for Community Relations and Services Department Henry Reyes, Miss Casino Filipino 2012 Marie Loraine De Guzman, PAGCOR Voice Symphony, former Wowowee dancer Aprilyn “Congratulations” Gustilo, and Hansen Nichols who hosted the event.

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