Mandaue throws party for kids

CEBU, Philippines - Indigent children in Mandaue City, numbering 650, were treated to a Christmas party by the Mandaue City Council for the Protection of Children, in cooperation with the non-government organization Kaabag Inc. at the Mandaue City Sports Complex yesterday.

The gathering was called “I-Kids Party and Summit” where indigent children from the 27 barangays in the city were fed and given gifts.

Even children who stay at the City Social Welfare Services and those from the Muslim community in barangay Mantuyong were at the party.

The party was fueled by proceeds made from the “Kahadlok Mo, Pinaskohan Ko” horror booth, which was organized by the council and the Kaabag Foundation last November. It started at 9 a.m. and ended at 5 p.m. The children enjoyed the ice cream, cotton candies, and a Jollibee show.

Mayor Jonas Cortes’ wife, Sarah, who heads the council, said proceeds from the booth reached more than P100,000.

Yesterday’s affair cost P147,000. Mrs. Cortes said some establishments donated goods.

The city government also shouldered the food and t-shirts that were distributed to the children.

Each child also received a backpack which cost P120, and loaded with goodies, school supplies, and canned goods.

Mrs. Cortes said 80 malnourished children at the Mandaue Central School who are beneficiaries of a weekly feeding program were treated to a separate Christmas party last Monday.

These malnourished children also receive backpacks full of goodies, school supplies, canned goods, and bowls. (THE FREEMAN)