MANILA – On a festive Sunday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. brought joy to approximately 30,000 children across the Philippines through the annual ‘Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya’ Christmas gift-giving event. The main celebration took place at the Malacañang Palace in Manila, where over 2,000 children gathered to receive gifts and enjoy the holiday spirit.
Marcos shared memories of his father’s similar Christmas gatherings during his presidency, emphasizing the Marcos family’s tradition of opening their home during the holiday season. ‘Every Christmas, we prepare something special for our little ones, continuing our family’s tradition,’ Marcos stated, reflecting on his childhood at the Palace.
The event was not limited to Manila; it extended nationwide with 16 local government units in Metro Manila participating, alongside three from the Visayas and Mindanao regions through an online platform. The initiative was coordinated by the Office of the President, in collaboration with the Social Secretary’s Office, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and local government units.
At the Palace, children from various shelters and orphanages, supported by the ‘Tulong sa Palasyo’ initiative, were among the participants. The Kalayaan grounds were transformed into a festive carnival with inflatables and food stalls, creating a joyful atmosphere for the young attendees.
The President and his family added to the excitement by riding a trackless train with some of the children around the venue. As Marcos stepped off the train, he was warmly greeted by the children, some of whom chanted his nickname, ‘BBM! BBM!’ The First Family distributed red trolley bags filled with gifts and mingled with the guests, spreading holiday cheer throughout the event.