CHILDREN suffering from cancer and other chronic illnesses will be the focus of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) 78th founding anniversary—that they will be treated to fun and entertainment.

PCSO Chairman Margarita Juico and General Manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas 2nd, along with other officers and employees will be visiting the Tahan-Tahanan halfway home at the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) in Quezon City where the children are staying.

Tahan-Tahanan, a partnership between the PCSO and EAMC was established in 2011 to provide children with cancer and chronic illnesses like congenital heart disease, kidney diseases and blood disorders a halfway-home were the can stay while undergoing treatment here in Metro Manila.

PCSO contributes about P1.2 million to Tahan-Tahanan annually and the children are cared for by EAMC’s multi-disciplinary Pediatric Oncology team, headed by Dr. Ma. Victoria Abesamis backed by pediatric oncologists, nurses, psychologists, teachers, parents and volunteers.

Tahan-Tahanan patients receive free board and lodging in safe, clean, and home-like surroundings. The facility also has playground equipment and age-appropriate educational toys.

To encourage patients’ development and to make their stay pleasant, the children engage in a comprehensive enrichment program that provides play and study activities such as arts and crafts, sports, music, theater dance, and home-study. Skills training is also given to the family members and caregivers.

As part of its 78th anniversary celebration the PCSO will be bringing Boy Katindig and Garie Concepcion, the cast of “Teen St. Pedro Calungsod, the Musical” and a song number by Ms. Garie Concepcion.

Jackie Aquino will do storytelling and Mandy Navasero will emcee parlor games for the enjoyment of the children.

PCSO will also be conducting medical missions in key cities of Manila, Pasay and Quezon this week.