Mandaue treats 1,000 kids to Christmas party

CEBU, Philippines - With the success of the Horror Booth sa Mandaue for several years now, Some 1,000 indigent children from 27 barangays of Mandaue City were once again treated to a Christmas party last week.

Kaabag Inc., a non-government organization that initiated the Horror Booth last November that ran for a week, raised P300,000 from it to be able to  host the party.

The event held at Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex started with a Holy Mass and followed by a short program.

Mayor Jonas Cortes emphasized the importance of giving the children the appropriate environment that will help them develop and truly become the “future” of tomorrow.

Sarah Walker Cortes, the wife of the mayor who heads the Mandaue City Council for the Protection of Children (MCCPC), thanked barangay officials as well as companies and non-government organizations who in one way or another contributed to the success of the program and other projects for the children.

Plaques of appreciation were given to some 16 companies who also supported the activity.

The children then participated in various group games organized by Kaabag Mandaue, Inc. and received corresponding prizes.

Maricel Yu, focal person of MCCPC said the children were treated to two snacks and lunch.

Each of them went home with giveaways consisting of a bag, two kilos of rice, grocery items including a ham and other items like slipper, t-shirt, school supplies, among others.

Among the beneficiaries were 50 street children based at the City Social Welfare and Services (CSWS) in the city.

According to Yu, the beneficiaries were chosen by barangay officials based on the status of their families.  (FREEMAN)