Pamaskwa sa mga Anghel sang Puluy-an: A post-Christmas Party for Special Children
The 2nd year high school students of
Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus, section
Fortitude actively joining the noble
undertaking.
With an deeply-embedded belief that God has assured special children of a place in heaven because of their child-like innocence, Iloilo City councilor Merci Drilon-Garcia headed a post-Christmas party and gift-giving activity for the special children of the "Tuloy Aral Walang Sagabal" or TAWAG program, a pre-school education program administered by the CSWD office for the special children. 
The yearly event was held at Brgy. North Baluarte Day Care Center last January 6, 2007. Second year high school students from Colegio de las Hijas de Jesus along with the parents and guardians of the children cheerfully participated in the noble event where McDonald's Atrium proprietress Susan Divinagracia provided the foods and other party needs.
Hon. Merci D. Garcia with
husband Brgy. Capt. Gilbert
Garcia of Brgy. South Baluarte
and CSWD worker Ms. Jonalyn
Magarse.
This is a yearly Christmas undertaking of Hon. Merci D. Garcia as a way of making both the special children and their parents experience the true meaning of Christmas through gift-giving activity, providing fun through games and entertainment and other surprises for the special children.
The special children rendering their
intermission number
It is her way of sharing her blessings with the less privileged. It has been three years already that the said project has benefited the special children enrolled at the North Baluarte Day Care Center School for Special Children, a pilot school and the only pre-school for special children accredited by the City Government.
3 year-old Jellybell with her guardian
receiving her gift
The gift-giving activity, the "Pabitin" game and the presence of Birdie, McDonald's mascot added more fun and excitement to the children. They danced and danced with Birdie to the tune of the music they liked. The children were beaming with excitement as they rendered their dance number while the 2nd year high school students of Colegio de las Hijas de sang their favorite song. They also prepared their personal gifts to the children.
Miss Jonalyn Magarse, the ever patient and hardworking CSWD worker also had the chance to introduce each child.
A special child receiving her gift from
Hon. Garcia
The most touching part was the testimony of one parent, whose two children out of three was born special. Both of her kids are enrolled at the school. She gladly thanked the good councilor for the yearly project that she never missed to offer and dedicate to them. She also recognized the effort of the CSWD workers for their patience as secondary parents to their children. She also talked about hot the "TAWAG" program was able to provide them emotional support considering the burden of bringing up a special children.
CHJ Yr. II - Fortitude student rendering a
song number to the awe of the audience
The party ended with a raffle of PhilHealth cards for some parents in which they were very thankful of. The half day celebration was a humbling experience for everyone especially for those who witnessed the celebration for the first time. For them, it was a heartwarming and memorable experience. They felt they have found the true meaning of the season especially during the "gift giving" activity wherein each special child received their gifts gladly and gratefully.
Indeed, the good councilor, said in her inspirational message that "Christmas is the most awaited time of the year and that it is most enjoyed by children because it symbolizes the birth of Jesus Christ. It is all about sharing, giving and loving one another.