GIFT-GIVING. Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos hands out a Christmas pack during a gift-giving activity at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on Saturday (Dec. 16, 2023). A total of 193 relatives of 104 fallen members of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Bureau of Fire Protection received gifts. (Screengrab from PNP video)
MANILA – A total of 193 dependents of 104 fallen police officers, firefighters and jail personnel received early Christmas gifts from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, together with Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen Benjamin Acorda, Jr., Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief Fire Director Louie Puracan and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) chief Director Ruel Rivera, led the gift-giving at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on Saturday.
"Ginawa namin ang araw na ito [gift-giving activity] dahil ang kabayanihan ng inyong anak, ng inyong asawa na binigay ang buhay sa ating bansa ay hinding-hindi po natin makakalimutan (We made this day [gift-giving activity] because of the heroism of your son, your husband who gave his life to our country. We will never forget this)," Abalos said in a press release on Sunday.
The DILG chief said the activity was a simple acknowledgment and expression of gratitude to the families of the departed personnel, whom he called the unsung heroes of this generation.
"Not only did our departed personnel bear the sacrifice of giving up their lives for the country, most of all, kayo po iyon (it is you)," he said.
"Ang mga pamilya ng ating kapulisan, mga bumbero, at mga jail personnel natin ang kasamang nagsakripisyo. Muli po, ang aming pasasalamat (The families of our police officers, firefighters, and our jail personnel are the ones who sacrificed. Once again, our gratitude)."
Acorda said the activity was a collective effort of agencies under the DILG to extend their care and support to the families left behind by those who died in service.
"It is a beacon of hope that shines brightly, illuminating the true essence of Christmas -- the spirit of selfless giving, love, and hope,” Acorda said in a separate statement.
Similar gift-giving activities were held in other parts of the country for 535 beneficiaries.
Most of the gift packs came from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
Ayala Corporation distributed 100 health cards while SM Malls gave away 200 stuffed toys. (PNA)
