MASANTOL -- The season of giving is very much alive in this town as hundreds from the marginalized sector on Thursday, December 21 received their early Christmas gifts from the local government here.
Mayor Danilo Guintu led the distribution of grocery packs to almost a thousand persons with disabilities (PWDs) and pedicab drivers in a simple ceremony held at the municipal covered court.
Guintu said that at least 352 registered PWDs and 600 pedicab drivers plying routes in this town were chosen as beneficiaries for the gift-giving activity.
“Kaunting tulong lang ito para sa kanila, para may pandagdag sila sa handa sa noche buena o kaya pangmiryenda mamayang pag-uwi nila. Isang araw sa isang taon lang naman ang pasko kaya sulitin na natin sa pagtulong sa ating mga kabalen,” he said.
In his speech, Guintu shared his Christmas wish to the beneficiaries, which is to have a healthier, more prosperous and peaceful 2018 for all residents and the town of Masantol.
He also reminded the beneficiaries to observe peace and order during the celebration of the holiday season and avoid using loud and dangerous firecrackers which may pose danger to several individuals.
Guintu, meanwhile, said that the activity is just one of the series of gift-giving activities organized by the local government which also benefitted senior citizens, fisherfolk, traffic enforcers, displaced workers, and members of other sectors.
He noted that the simple activity aims to provide even a little joy and hope to all Masantoleños, especially the needy ones, even just this holiday season.
Romeo Bustos, 68, who is one of the beneficiaries, extended his gratitude to Guintu whom he said generously shared his personal resources and precious time to the simple citizens of Masantol.
“Malaki ang aking pasasalamat, kasama ang aking pamilya, sa regalong ito at sa pag-alala sa amin ngayon pasko. Totoo pong magiging maligaya ang aming pasko,” he said.