PAGCOR's "Pamaskong Handog 2010" brings joy to hundreds of war veterans - DAY 7
Eighty-seven year-old Rosario Macaraig, widow of a war veteran, is among the 450 patients at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) who received gift packs from PAGCOR on the 7th day of its "Pamaskong Handog 2010 - 12 Days of Christmas" project. Maria Theresa Socorro Naguiat (middle), wife of PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino Naguiat personally visited some bed-ridden patients.
Eighty three year old war veteran Mauro Callueng never thought that strangers will go out of their way to bring him cheer this Christmas.
Mauro, who is scheduled for operation in January due to hernia, is one of the 450 sick and abandoned elderly veterans of war confined at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC). The state-owned health facility was the 7th day beneficiary of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation's (PAGCOR) "Pamaskong Handog 2010-12 Days of Christmas" gift-giving project.
Aside from the Christmas gifts distributed to the patients and food served during the event, the state-gaming firm also donated ten 29-inch television sets and four DVD players to VMMC. This entertainment package was the specific Christmas wish of the hospital for their patients.
Maria Theresa Socorro Naguiat, wife of PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Cristino L. Naguiat, Jr., together with her eldest daughter, Andrea Bettina joined PAGCOR's AVP for Corporate Communications Maricar Bautista in spearheading the gift-giving event. They also took time to visit some bed-ridden patients of VMMC.
Mrs. Naguiat says the Pamaskong Handog 2010 project is one of PAGCOR's ways of reaching out to those who are in need of great care, like the veterans of war. "We are happy to be part of this special project. Marami talagang nangangailangan ng tulong. This is a very timely project," she said.
VMMC Director Nona Legaspi lauded PAGCOR for bringing joy to the veterans and their families. "This means a lot to our patients. When December comes, most of the elderly patients feel sad because they can't go home yet. The VMMC, together with our patients would like to thank the officials of PAGCOR for bringing in a party for our veterans. I hope this is not the first and last time," Legaspi said. Remedios Buenafe, VMMC Chief of Social Services, also expressed her gratitude to the state gaming firm.
"We thank PAGCOR for making our veterans among their beneficiaries this Christmas. We are grateful that you have remembered them. They are living heroes who really need our love," said Buenafe.
The VMMC is a tertiary hospital which caters to the veterans of war, together with their dependents as well as Armed Forces of the Philippines retirees and dependents. The medical facility also provides outpatient services averaging 800 patients per day.
Meanwhile, families of patients expressed their appreciation to the PAGCOR's Pamaskong Handog project.
Teofilo Macaraig, Jr., said that such outreach programs really help those who have less in life. His 87-year-old mother Rosario, widow of a war veteran, is still recovering from a stroke incident in 2009.
PAGCOR also invited Carmen Soriano, one of the golden divas in the 60's and 70's, to sing for VMMC veterans. The seasoned singer performed sentimental Spanish and OPM classics like "Paano Kita Malilimutan." She also cracked funny jokes to the delight of the patients. "This is a very rare thing. And I'm so honored I became a part of it," she said.
PAGCOR's "Pamaskong Handog 2010 - 12 Days of Christmas" project is also held simultaneously nationwide through PAGCOR's provincial branches in Tagaytay, Mimosa, Angeles, Olongapo, Laoag, Cebu, Mactan, Bacolod and Davao.
"Tomorrow morning, PAGCOR is going to the Bukang Liwayway Home in Quiapo to give gifts and bring Christmas cheer to the disabled," Maricar Bautista, PAGCOR's AVP for Corporate Communications said.