MANILA, (PIA) — San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora, alongside his son Rocco and Representative Bel Zamora, spearheaded a festive gift-giving event for preschool children on Sunday, organized by the Office of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
In photo (from left): San Juan Vice Mayor Jose Angelo Rafael Agcaoili, Mayor Francisco Javier “Francis” Zamora, Representative Ysabel “Bel” Maria Zamora, and Rocco Zamora (Photo: Alfredo De Castro Jr./PIA-CPSD)
The event, titled “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya,” is part of a nationwide initiative by the Office of the President. Approximately 1,500 children from San Juan participated in this simultaneous gift-giving and child-friendly celebration.
In a message delivered during the “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” event at the Kalayaan Grounds in Malacañang, President Marcos highlighted the special magic of Christmas for children and encouraged everyone to embrace the season’s spirit, celebrating even amidst challenges.
For his part, Mayor Zamora thanked the President for the very meaningful gifts provided to their residents.
“Sa atin pong mahal na Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, ito po ang inyong lingkod, Mayor Francis Zamora, Congresswoman Bel Zamora, ang aking anak na si Roco Zamora, at Vice Mayor Agcaoili,” he said.
“Ang buong lungsod ng San Juan ay nagpapasalamat po sa inyo, mahal na Pangulong BBM sa mga regalong hinahandog ko po ngayon para sa kabataan ng San Juan. We’re very, very thankful at asahan niyo po ang buong suporta ng San Juan sa inyo pong Bagong Pilipinas Administration,” he added.
“At sa bawat isang Pilipino, mga kapwa naming Pilipino, Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon po sa ating lahat,” he further cheered.
According to Aurora Esperanza Dionisio from the San Juan City Public Information Office, the children, selected from various pre-schools, enjoyed a day filled with games and activities, including magic shows and balloon art exhibitions at the San Juan Covered Court.
Each child received loot bags containing practical items such as towels, pillows, and school supplies, as confirmed by an aide to Mayor Zamora.
Local resident Aiko C. Legaspi, a mother of two, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Maraming salamat po mahal na Pangulong Marcos and Mayor Zamora sa regalo ninyo sa aking anak!” (Thank you very much, dear President Marcos and Mayor Zamora for the gift to my child.)
Another beneficiary, Sandra Nicole Sayo, also shared her appreciation for the event, stating, “Sana po magkaroon pa ng mga katulad nitong event next year.” (I hope there will be more events like this next year.)
The nationwide program, which took place across 17 local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila and three LGUs in the Visayas and Mindanao, aims to bring holiday cheer to around 30,000 children this year. (JCO/PIA-NCR)
