MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos played Santa Claus to more than 2,000 children yesterday at Malacañang, during the third year of a nationwide gift-giving program that sustained the tradition started by his late father’s administration.
Instead of the traditional Santa Claus suit, the President was clad in a red checkered polo and blue pants while he drove a yellow train during the “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya Year 3” program – organized by the Office of the President and the Social Secretary’s Office –at the Kalayaan grounds.
Marcos’ passengers – First Lady Liza Marcos, their sons Joseph Simon and William Vincent and six children – waved as the train was on its way to the program venue.
Children mobbed the President as he alighted the train, while others took photos and showed their respect by taking his hand in a Filipino gesture known as pagmamano.
The gift-giving sought to provide Christmas presents to some 30,000 children aged 4 to 12 across the country.
In his impromptu remarks during the event, Marcos expressed hope that the Philippines would experience a merry Christmas, recalling the various disasters that hit the country recently.
“We had hardships last year. It started with El Niño… the drought (affected our agriculture). It was followed by La Niña that brought typhoons. I hope we will have a merry Christmas. We were given some time to be with our loved ones,” he said.
He said the playful children who belt out yuletide carols loudly allow him to feel the Christmas season. He added that when he was young, his family would open Malacañang to children during Christmas.
The gift-giving took place simultaneously at Malacañang, 16 Metro Manila local governments and more than 65 satellite centers of the social welfare department.
In Caloocan, around 2,000 children aged five to 12 received gift packs, vitamins, oral health kits, and participated in activities such as health consultations, haircuts and face painting.
Caloocan Mayor Along Malapitan expressed gratitude to Marcos for supporting the city’s residents.
In Malabon, 1,500 schoolchildren benefited from the same initiative, with Mayor Jennie Sandoval thanking the President after personally distributing the gifts.
Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco echoed this gratitude, noting that the program brings holiday cheer to children across the nation.
Valenzuela saw 1,500 children from early childhood care and development centers and bahay kalinga, receiving towels, socks, watches, raincoats, tumblers and pens.
Mayor Wes Gatchalian commended the Office of the President, the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other partners for making the event possible.
Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto shared his appreciation for the initiative, highlighting its positive impact on children and families in the city.
“This event brings joy not just to the kids, but to their parents as well,” Sotto said.
In San Juan, Mandaluyong and Marikina, children participated in simultaneous gift-giving activities, with city officials expressing their gratitude for the President’s efforts to spread Christmas cheer.
Three local governments from the Visayas and Mindanao also joined through an online platform, according to Radio Television Malacañang. The participants were also entertained with various games and performances.
Jollibee, Tender Juicy, Tapa King, Siomai King, Potato King, Ocha Milk Tea and Indomie server as sponsors of the program.
