For kids, Christmas is not complete without presents. And for more than 200 kids in Barangay Can-Ilay, Can-Avid, Eastern Samar, Christmas is far from over.

DSWD FO VIII, in partnership with the Media, the 801 st Infantry Brigade and the 14th Infantry Brigade from the 8th Infantry Division of the Army, recently conducted a gift-giving activity as part of its outreach program to the barangay.

People from the barangay were in a festive mood, as children from pre-school to sixth grade enjoyed the gathering. Aside from gift-giving, dance and singing contests and parlor games were held. Parents also participated in the event and were given t-shirts, shorts, slippers and utensils. The teachers of the local elementary school also received gifts, in the form of brand-new illustrated textbooks.

“We want to thank you for visiting us! We rarely have outreaches here, and we rarely have visitors from the government, the media or the Army,” says Barangay Captain Gloria Gersin.

In an interview, Regional Director, Restituto Macuto, of the DSWD Field Office VIII which supported the project says, “The DSWD has utmost concern for children because they are the most vulnerable to risks or danger. They should be loved and protected.”

This event was spearheaded by Jasmine Bonifacio, a reporter/writer for Rappler, who coordinated with the various agencies involved in the outreach.