Each of us has a story about Christmas.
For some, Christmas is about family reunions, parties, and social gatherings. It is the time of the year when friends and families meet and catch up on each other’s lives.
While for others, Christmas is a stark reminder of the void left behind by abandonment, loneliness, and the absence of a place to call home.
For those who have known the bitter taste of being left behind, Christmas remains an ordinary date and the lights stay dimmed.
But in every Christmas story, it always has a touch of hope and lights should never stay in darkness.
On Nov. 26, the Office of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. rolled out the “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” gift-giving ceremony nationwide wherein children from residential care facilities (RCF) were treated with early Christmas presents.
In Ilocos Norte, the children with special cases who are being cared by Shekinah Home in Dingras town and Tahanang Carmela D’Amore Inc. in Laoag City were the chosen beneficiaries in the activity.
“Simple lang po ang objective ng programa na ito and that is to spread joy during the holiday season para po sa ating mga children na 4-17 years old,” said Korina Tinol, Social Welfare Officer IV and Regional Center Coordinator.
Progressively, smiles illuminated in the RCFs when the children received meals and a travelling bag that contains blanket, towel, and pillow as gifts.
“Yung mga bata ay masaya. We are happy to know that the president has a particular concern for these needy children. They made children feel that thay are close to them and that they think of them,” said Sister Erlinda Huelar of the Tahanang Carmela D’Amore.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was instrumental in the selection of the recipients of the gift-giving activity, as well as their role in helping nurture the kids who are in need of care.
The message of Christmas is the hope through Jesus Christ, our Savior. He came that people will experience a promise of hope in every situation of their lives, that there is no need to feel alone.
Christmas is for all. That is the most wonderful story of Christmas. (JCR/MJTAB, PIA Ilocos Norte)
