PAGCOR President and COO Jorge Sarmiento (right) hands out a gift pack to an indigent child under the care of La Proteccion dela Infancia Inc. during the 8th day of PAGCOR's "Pamaskong Handog 2010 - 12 days of Christmas" project.

Employees of PAGCOR join COO Jorge Sarmiento (below photo) in giving a merrier Christmas to the wards of La Proteccion De la Infancia, Inc., (Gota de Leche). They are among the 8th day beneficiaries of "Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2010 - 12 Days of Christmas".

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) delivered yuletide treats to 250 underserved children and 140 mentally-ill adults on the eighth day of its "Pamaskong Handog 2010 - 12 Days of Christmas" project.

Beneficiaries from La Proteccion de la Infancia in Sampaloc, Manila and the Priory-Hospice of St. John of God in Bocaue, Bulacan received food and special Christmas gift packs from PAGCOR. They were also entertained by OPM artists like Joshua of the "Freestyle" and Luke Mejares, and the PAGCOR Voice Symphony.

PAGCOR is visiting 24 charitable institutions in Metro Manila and nearby provinces for its Pamaskong Handog program until December 21.

PAGCOR President and COO Jorge Sarmiento led the gift-giving event at the La Proteccion de la Infancia, a historical institution in Sampaloc, Manila that has been attending to the nutritional needs of impoverished children since 1906. One of its founders and incorporators was Doña Trinidad Rizal, sister of Dr. Jose Rizal.

The state-gaming firm granted the institution's Christmas wish list composed of a manual weighing scale, standing blood pressure monitor with stethoscope, split-type aircon, refrigerator, 26 cans of milk and a nebulizer.

La Proteccion de la Infancia Executive Vice President Ma. Lourdes Sarabia said the items delivered by PAGCOR will be very beneficial in the attainment of their vision to promote health and nutrition among poor children.

"We are very glad that our century-old feeding program was recognized by PAGCOR as worthy of support this Christmas. This will definitely keep us going in our noble effort to serve more indigent kids and develop healthy citizens," Sarabia noted.

The Priory-Hospice of St. John of God, meanwhile, got its Christmas wish for an LCD projector and a laptop from PAGCOR. The facility, located in Bocaue, Bulacan, currently houses adults suffering from various psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, personality disorder, depression, drug-induced psychosis, epilepsy and severe mental retardation.

Hospice Prior Brother Raymond Marquez expressed gratitude to PAGCOR, saying the gifts they received will aid in the execution of therapeutic activities and exercises for the patients.

"Maraming, maraming salamat sa PAGCOR dahil napakalaking bagay ng mga kagamitang iniregalo nila sa amin. Makakatulong ito sa pang-araw-araw naming mga aktibidad tungo sa paggaling ng mga pasyente," Brother Raymond said.

The agency also reached out to indigent persons with disabilities at the Bukang Liwayway Home in Quiapo, Manila during the ninth day of its gift-giving activity.

Ceasar Barrio, assistant leader of Bukang Liwayway said they work independently at the Center. Some are into watch repair, while others sell religious items and fan beside the Quiapo Church. "Nagsisikap kami lahat dito. Gusto namin hindi maging hadlang ang aming kapansanan para mabuhay," he shared.

Although they have their own means of earning, Barrio said it is not enough to support all their needs. They are lacking in medicines and other basic necessities.

"Kaya malaki ang pasasalamat namin sa pamunuan ng PAGCOR dahil isa kami sa mga napili nilang tulungan. Hindi namin basta mapupulot ang ganoong klaseng pagtulong. At masayang-masaya kami dahil sa kabila ng aming kapansanan, mayroon pa rin palang mga taong gustong tumulong sa amin," he said.

PAGCOR handed out Christmas gift packs containing basic commodities like clothing and toiletries to 16 male handicapped. The state-gaming firm also fulfilled their wish for Christmas, which includes a flat television, Orocan cabinets, folding beds, sacks of rice, DVD player and four wheelchairs.

PAGCOR's Pamaskong Handog project, which culminates on December 21, is part of the agency's Corporate Social Responsibility programs under its new management.

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