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SIX-YEAR-OLD Angelica Magallanes, one of the patients at the
National Children’s Hospital, did not realize that instead of
being merely a recipient during the gift-giving program of the
president, she was able to touch the hearts of the gift givers.
Magallanes, who suffers from hydrocephalus and
cerebral palsy, sang an inspirational song and deeply moved the
audience which included President Gloria Arroyo, Health Secretary
Francisco Duque 3rd, Quezon City Representative Nanette Castelo-Daza,
NCH chief Dr. Robert Enriquez and officials from Pagcor led by PR
chief Dodie King and Mike Cendaña.
The event, which was organized by the Office of
the President in cooperation with Pagcor, was highlighted by a party
complete with mascots from a popular food chain and Batang Iwas
Droga characters from the gaming corporation’s anti-illegal drugs
campaign. There were also performances from the Full House Choir
composed of employees from the state-run gaming firm and a
distribution of goodies led by the President.
“Malaki pong kagalakan ng programang ito ng
Pangulo sa amin, lalo na sa aming mga anak,” said Loida Magallanes,
Angelica’s mother. “Nakapagbigay po talaga sa amin ng tuwa at
lubos po kaming nagpapasalamat sa pagbisita mismo ng ating Pangulo.”
The elder Magallanes shared how lucky they were
to have been taken cared by the National Childern’s Hospital all
these years with regard to her youngest daughter’s medical
requirements. She expressed much gratitude to those who have shared
their challenges and provided them with financial support to augment
the cost of Angelica’s operations.
Meanwhile, Pagcor chairman Efraim Genuino
expressed confidence that this year, through the President’s
program, more deserving patients will benefit from their programs
and more lives will be alleviated from poverty. “As an agency
which fully supports the government, Pagcor will double its efforts
to help the people,” he said.
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