00:00The president is in the mood for spreading the Christmas cheer.
00:04He handed out gifts, essential supplies, and basic necessities to the residents of Marilac Hills and the Haven National Center for Women in Muntinlupa City.
00:13PTV's Isaiah Mirafuentes tells us more.
00:17This young girl who we'll call Princess is 16 years old.
00:21At such a young age, she has already experienced using illegal drugs.
00:25She was arrested last year.
00:27I have a problem because of my family. That's why I was involved in drugs.
00:32Her parents separated and her mother remarried.
00:36However, it was her stepfather or her mother's new husband who brought the dark side of life to her.
00:43She was sexually harassed and often speaks about it with pain and bitterness words.
00:49I was being beaten by my mother.
00:54She told me that we can't live without her.
00:59We can't go to school. That's why I decided to rebel.
01:03She is one of the children that President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. met in his visit to the facility today.
01:10President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. visited Marilac Hills and the Haven National Center for Women in Muntinlupa.
01:17These are shelters for young girls who have experienced abuse and some of them have committed offenses at a young age.
01:24I'm a senator and I'm a civilian. That's why I came here.
01:29I always smile when I come here.
01:33He gave Christmas gifts to help ease the sadness the children feel.
01:37When I came here today, I really felt Christmas.
01:41I can see it on your faces.
01:46As soon as the President arrived, the children danced and sang for him.
01:50Marilac Hills was established during the time of the President's father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
01:57and it was among his mother's clan, former First Lady Imelda Marcos.
02:02We are happy because the President cares for the poor, especially the children.
02:13He's a good man.
02:15Since 2017, the President has been visiting the place every year.
02:20Except during pandemic, he has been giving gifts to the children.
02:24In his message, the President reminded everyone that Christmas continues despite the challenges behind and in front of us.
02:33Even if we are hit by a typhoon, even if we are burned in different places,
02:41no matter what, we all believe that all Filipinos, especially the children, should be able to feel Christmas.
02:57No storm can shake the Filipino Christmas spirit, and nothing beats a Filipino Christmas.
