AS THE Christmas season nears, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) kicked off its gift-giving activity “Pamaskong Handog Alay sa Kabataan 2017” on Monday at Camp Captain Domingo E. Leonor, DCPO Grounds.
The activity targets 10,000 indigent children beneficiaries.
DCPO director Police Senior Supt. Alexander Tagum said on Monday that the program aims to give back to the communities as well as to let the marginalized children get close with the policemen and convey that they do not only perform police-related operations but also carry out outreach programs.
"Ito po ‘yong tinatawag na Christmas outreach which we called Pamaskong Handog Alay sa Kabataan initiated by DCPO para sa ating mga less fortunate children in Davao City," he said.
During the launching, there were about 200 preschool children, escorted by their parents from Kabacan Elementary School, who received toys and food.
The cops, wearing Santa hats, also sang Christmas carols and danced to entertain the children.
Tagum said they identified beneficiaries through the help of the Davao City Social Services and Development Office (CSSDO).
They will provide them with Christmas party packages such as Christmas gifts, food, and Christmas Joys like raffle gifts to be distributed by the 12 police stations.
DCPO spokesperson Police Senior Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan said the activity will be held weekly in December where two police stations (PS) are assigned to give gifts to identified beneficiaries.
She said the DCPO assigned Talomo Police Station and Buhangin Police Station to give gifts to beneficiaries.
"It is our way of extending our love and compassion for the underprivileged and marginalize children who rarely experience this kind of opportunity because of the distance of their area," she said.
She also thanked generous stakeholders who shared their blessings to the children.
The Sta. Ana Police Station will also hold a gift giving activity for some 350 beneficiaries at Magsaysay Park.