In a heartwarming gesture, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos brought joy to 870 kindergarten students in Marikina City by distributing Christmas gifts. The event took place on December 19, 2024, at the covered court in Barangay Kalumpang, where the young recipients were each given a bag filled with school supplies.
The distribution was overseen by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III and his wife, Ma. Anna Kathryna Pimentel, who serves as the Special Envoy to the United Arab Emirates for Trade and Investment. The Pimentel couple expressed their gratitude to the President and First Lady for their generous contribution to the children’s education.
In addition to the gifts from the First Couple, the Pimentels also provided each child with 5 kilograms of rice. Furthermore, Ma. Anna Kathryna Pimentel announced that each beneficiary would receive an additional PHP2,000 during a payout scheduled for December 23 in Sampaguita Village, Barangay Malanday.
Local residents expressed their appreciation for the gifts. Andel Bocatcat, a 36-year-old single mother from Barangay Malanday, thanked President Marcos for the thoughtful Christmas presents. JayAr Torres, a father from Barangay Sto. Niño, highlighted the significance of the gifts, stating that they would greatly assist his family’s Noche Buena celebration.
Criselda Ubusan, another resident of Barangay Malanday, shared that the PHP2,000 cash aid would significantly help in meeting her children’s needs. The event underscored the community’s gratitude and the positive impact of the President and First Lady’s initiative on the local families.