HOUSE Speaker Martin G. Romualdez has led a Christmas event at the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) grounds in Quezon City that included festive celebrations of the holidays with children-patients and their families, and a “People’s Day” to distribute financial aid.

Dubbed “Paskong Tarabangan Event,” Speaker Romualdez was joined by his wife, Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Chairman of the House committee on appropriations and Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co as key guests of the gathering. The event was hosted by the Ako Bicol Party-list.

“This is one of my favorite social events as a legislator where we spend time with children. Napakasarap isabuhay ng mga katagang ‘ang Pasko ay para sa mga bata’ dahil nakikita mo ang kanilang tunay na galak at tuwa sa mga pagtitipong katulad nito,” Speaker Romualdez said.

“Bukod sa paghahanda ng isang pagdiriwang para sa mga bata at kanilang pamilya, mag-aabot din tayo ng tulong pinansyal sa mga naka-confine dito sa PCMC at dadalaw din tayo sa children’s ward para mamigay ng regalo. Iparamdam natin ang Pasko dito sa PCMC,” the House leader said.

The event was highlighted by a Christmas party for 130 children with fun activities and children’s entertainment, followed by an Ako Bicol “People’s Day” where guarantee letters for medical assistance were distributed.

The lawmakers then proceeded to the children’s ward for a gift-giving ceremony for the patients.

Aside from the gifts, Speaker Romualdez also announced that all the patients invited to the event would enjoy zero billing, eliciting cheers from the parents and their wards.

For her part, Rep. Yedda said she was overwhelmed with joy upon seeing the smiles on children’s faces during the gift-giving and party.

“There is nothing more pure and sincere than a child’s genuine happiness and Christmas spirit. I am very pleased to be a part of this event,” she expressed.

“Bilang isang ina napakahirap makita ang ating mga anak na maysakit. Sana sa aming pagdalaw ay nakapagdala kami ng kaunting pag-asa at maibsan ang pinagdadaanan ng ating mga anak. Dasal ko po na sana ay gumaling na sila,” she added.

The lawmakers then proceeded to inspect the site of the new Philippine Cancer Center being constructed on a 5,000-square meter lot inside the Blood Bank Complex, as well as the Mega Hemodialysis Legacy Building at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, both in Quezon City.

The facilities under construction were funded through the efforts of the House of Representatives.

“We expect that once the new buildings are done, they would serve more patients in the future and further enhance healthcare delivery to our people,” Romualdez said.

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Jester P. Manalastas