President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday led the celebration of the “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya 2025” nationwide gift-giving at the Kalayaan Grounds of Malacañan Palace, benefiting over 19,000 children.

Joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and presidential son William Vincent, Marcos welcomed over 3,000 children from Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Centers and nearby villages for the Palace event.

The Kalayaan grounds were transformed into a festive play zone featuring inflatable attractions, games, circus acts, entertainment, food stalls, and a special children’s performance for the First Family.

Marcos said the Filipino children are the “biggest treasures that we have here in the Philippines” as the country’s future lies on them.

“‘Pag nandito kayong mga bata, kaya makita mo sila lahat nakangiti, lahat magaan ang loob at lahat naramdaman ulit ang tunay na Pasko. Dahil nakita namin ‘yung inyong mga ngiti, ‘yung inyong magagandang mga mukha (When you children are here, when you see them smiling, everybody feels light-hearted and everybody feel anew the true spirit of Christmas. Because we see your smiles and your beautiful faces),” Marcos said.

“Ako ay nagpapasalamat na kahit mabigat ang hinaharap natin na mga hamon, ay kahit papaano meron tayong kaunting panahon, lalo na ‘pag Pasko, na kailangan natin maalala ang ating mga hirap sa buhay, ang mga biyaya natin sa nakaraang taon (That is why I am grateful that despite the challenges we face, we still have moments — especially during Christmas — when we can reflect on the hardships of life, the blessings of the past year),” he added.

Now in its fourth year, “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” has become a key annual undertaking of the Marcos administration.

Launched in 2022 after the pandemic, the gift-giving program expanded through DSWD Centers and the Department of Education in 2023-2024.

Marcos thanked the children for bringing renewed joy and warmth to the Palace, noting that their presence reminds government workers of the true meaning of public service.

“Alam n’yo, kami na nagtatrabaho sa pamahalaan, kapag nakikita namin kayo, naaalala namin kung bakit kami nagtatrabaho — hindi para sa sarili namin, kung hindi para sa inyo (You truly bring us back to life. You know, for those of us working in government, whenever we see you, we remember why we work — not for ourselves, but for you),” he said.

“Kaya tumitibay ang loob namin, lumalakas ang loob namin, nagiging mas masipag kami kapag nakikita namin kayo. Kayo ang dahilan ng lahat ng aming ginagawa. Kaya Merry Christmas sa inyong lahat (You strengthen our resolve, you lift our spirits, and you make us work harder whenever we see you. You are the reason for everything we do. So Merry Christmas to all of you).”

For 2025, simultaneous gift-giving events are being conducted in DSWD Centers nationwide, while DepEd schools are also holding their own Christmas activities, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to over 19,000 children nationwide. (PNA)