CHRISTMAS for more than 130 children in six remote barangays of San Fernando and Sibonga towns became merrier when they were treated to a party and received gifts from the Cebu Provincial Government.
In San Fernando, Marilyn Flores said the gift-giving activity helped lessen her expenses for Christmas gifts.
“Sukad, karon pa gyud nahitabo nga nanghatag ug duwaan sa mga day care dinhi sa amo-a. Lipay kaayo ko nga nakadawat akong anak ug duwaan (This is the first time that gifts were given at the day care center. I am happy that my child received a toy),” Flores said.
Jo Christine Nacua, a daycare worker of Barangay Guimbangco-an in Sibonga, said they were very happy for the children who had the chance to attend a Christmas party even if they live in a mountain barangay.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), through a program initiated by Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III’s wife, Jobel, held the “Pasko sa Daycare” in some far-flung areas of the province.
A few weeks ago, the PSWDO also distributed gifts in the upland barangays in northern Cebu.
Capitol employees donated the gifts and dropped them into boxes placed in the different areas in the Capitol.
One has to travel 45 minutes to get to Guimbangco-an, where the barangay’s daycare center has 20 pupils.
Nacua said that her center has fewer toys than those in the poblacion, so kids tend to quarrel over them.
“Dako og kalipay nga nahatagan sila bisan bukid ni amoa (We are very happy because we are included in the beneficiaries of the Capitol’s program even if we live so far),” she added.