LAOAG CITY – Hundreds of poor families from various towns in Ilocos Norte gathered at the Centennial Arena here as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) ended the successful staging of its “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012”on December 20, 2012.

PAGCOR, in cooperation with the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) of Ilocos Norte, distributed noche buena gift packs to 250 impoverished families residing in San Nicolas, Sarrat, Piddig, Vintar and Baccara during a grand Christmas party hosted for them by the state-owned gaming firm.

Spearheading PAGCOR’s Christmas gift-giving are officials and employees of Casino Filipino Laoag led by Branch Manager Roberto De Jesus who said that PAGCOR makes it a point to always aid the less fortunate especially during Christmas.

“Taon-taon ay pinaghahandaan namin ang Pamaskong Handog. Pinupuntahan ng PAGCOR ang mga kababayan natin na talagang nangangailangan ng tulong. Ngayong taon, nakipagtulungan ang Casino Filipino Laoag sa PSWDO para umabot ang tulong ng PAGCOR sa daan-daang mahihirap na pamilya sa Ilocos Norte,” he said.

De Jesus also shared that PAGCOR employees look forward to the annual gift-giving project to give the less fortunate a more meaningful Yuletide season. “Ang Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR ay pagkakataon para sa aming mga empleyado na makapagbahagi ng kasiyahan at biyaya sa mga nangaingailangan. Kasama ang PSWDO, lahat ay gustong makatulong lalo na ngayong Pasko,” De Jesus added.

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos expressed her gratitude to PAGCOR for reaching out to her less privileged constituents during the Christmas season. “Maswerte tayo at nabiyayaan ng PAGCOR ang Ilocos Norte. Itong Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR ang magiging tulay sa pagbubuklod ng mag-anak sa pagsapit ng Pasko.”

The PSWDO of Ilocos Norte is under the office of the Provincial Government and acts as the local government arm of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). It has been serving the province’s indigent constituents since 1992, organizing feeding and livelihood programs and giving financial assistance for the marginalized sectors of Ilocos Norte.

PSWDO Head Corazon Lillian Celia Rin said they recognize PAGCOR as a key partner in community development. She noted that organizations like PAGCOR are vital in their mission to improve the living conditions of less fortunate Ilocanos.  “PAGCOR can be of great help in giving the poor a chance to a better life. These people need all the help they can get,” Rin said.

“I would like to thank the management of PAGCOR for choosing the province of Ilocos Norte as part of your gift-giving project. The people are able to feel the true spirit of Christmas through the presents you have given them,” she added.

Sixty six-year old Julia Rivera from the town of Bacarra was delighted to receive gift packs from PAGCOR. “Masaya po kami at nakatanggap kami ng regalo mula sa PAGCOR. Mas magiging masaya ang Pasko namin.”

Rivera came to the event with her niece. Her husband is too frail to walk due to arthritis, while her only child is still recovering from an ovarian surgery. She thanked PAGCOR for giving her family an opportunity to celebrate a merrier Christmas in spite of the hardships they are going through.

“Nagpapasalamat po kami at mayroong mga handang tumulong sa aming mahihirap gaya ng PAGCOR. Sana ay magpatuloy pa po ang pagtulong ninyo sa mga nangangailangan at mas marami pa ang matulungan ninyo. Maraming salamat po sa Pamaskong Handog ninyo,” Rivera said.

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