Close to 200 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Makati City received early Christmas gifts from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) during the third day of the agency’s Pamaskong Handog project.

PAGCOR treated the PWDs of the Handicapped Care Association Incorporated (Handicare, Inc.) to a festive party and gave each of them a noche buena pack containing Christmas goodies like ham, cheese, pasta, chocolates and other grocery items.

Apart from the gift packs, the state-run gaming firm also donated 15 wheelchairs to the institution.

Handicare, Inc. is a non-profit, non-government institution which caters to PWDs and their families. Established in the mid 80’s, the organization provides free programs and services such as livelihood trainings,  income-generating projects, feeding programs, treatment and rehabilitation for the mentally or physically-impaired individuals,  educational assistance, health care and other forms of assistance such as provision of wheelchair, crutches, walkers,  among others.

PAGCOR Director Enriquito Nuguid, who spearheaded the gift-giving event yesterday, stressed the importance of sharing one’s blessings to the less fortunate, especially during this yuletide season.

"Ito po'y isang paraan namin para maipamahagi sa inyo ano man pong blessings na aming natanggap. Nung nakita ko po kayo'y naalala ko po nung araw na nagtutulak din ako ng wheelchair ng aking Nanay. On behalf of the PAGCOR Board headed by Chairman  Cristino Naguiat and COO Jorge Sarmiento, kami po'y masayang-masaya na narito kami ngayon para magbigay ng kasiyahan at regalo sa Handicare members," Nuguid said.

Handicare, Inc. President Edgardo Castro meanwhile cited that PAGCOR’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, such as the Pamaskong Handog is very similar to their mission of providing assistance to marginalized sectors such as the PWDs.

“PAGCOR’s CSR programs show the agency’s commitment to the government’s Tuwid na Daan principle because no Filipino is left behind. As a socio-civic organization, we are so grateful to have found dedicated partners like PAGCOR who play an important role in building an equitably progressive Philippines. May you continue to spread optimism and hope to PWDs and may you always remember us in all your endeavors, Castro said.

Apart from Castro, 53-year-old Shirley Labini, a member of Handicare, Inc. since 2002, is thankful to PAGCOR for reaching out to PWDs like her. She was afflicted with polio when she was seven months old. She can only walk through the help of crutches.  Malaking bagay po eto sa amin dahil mula po sa puso ninyo ang pagbibigay sa amin ng ganitong Pamasko,” said the mother of two who helps augment her husband’s income as a construction worker by selling towels and rags.

Because of the early Christmas treat from PAGCOR, they can at least have a decent Christmas noche buena despite financial difficulties. “Eto pong inyong Pamasko ay nagbibigay po sa amin ng pag-asa na sa kabila po ng mga pagsubok sa buhay ay may mga tulad ninyo na handang magbigay ng tulong sa tulad po naming PWDs, she emotionally added.

Meanwhile, 48-year-old Sani Lanzon expressed deep gratitude for the new wheelchair given to him during the state-run firm's gift-giving event. He was among the 15 Handicare beneficiaries who received the wheelchairs.

"Nagko-commute lang po kasi ako pag nagpupunta ng ospital," told Lanzon. "Mas mapapadali po sa amin ang mag-commute papunta sa ospital. Kaya malaking tulong po talaga sa tulad po naming may karamdaman na makatanggap ng ganitong regalo," said Lanzon who is currently battling stage 2 colon cancer.  A tumor was found in his spinal column which makes walking a challenge for him.

Actor-singer DJ Durano and PAGCOR's homegrown talents Joyce Tañaña and PAGCOR Voice Symphony entertained the crowd during the event.

Apart from the PWDs of Handicare, PAGCOR’s Pamaskong Handog  2015 will also bring joy to indigent and homeless families; orphaned and abandoned children; underprivileged kids with congenital heart disease; children with mental retardation, autism and multiple disabilities; the elderly; cultural minorities; abused and disadvantaged women; barangay health workers; disaster volunteers and street sweepers.

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