The House of Representatives organized a community outreach program on Monday as part of the 2024 HRep Month celebration and the institution's 117th founding anniversary. Representing the values of empathy, solidarity, and service, the Committee Affairs Department (CAD) spearheaded the project, which focused on supporting the elderly and orphaned children in residential care facilities located at Barangay Bago Bantay, Quezon City.
The House secretariat and congressional staff visited the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and Other Special Cases (GRACES), bringing joy and smiles to the senior citizen wards with their gifts—such as crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, adult diapers, shirts, food, and other basic necessities.
United Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay graced the event and expressed her joy at the opportunity to meet the constituents she represents in Congress.
"Kaya po, pinili ko pong irepresenta (senior citizens) sa Kongreso ay para maipaglaban ang inyong karapatan, kapakanan, benepisyo at prebelehiyo," Aquino-Magsaysay said.
She also made a heartfelt commitment to continue visiting the home care facility, ensuring that the welfare of the GRACES senior citizens is always a top priority. Her dedication and care provide reassurance to the community.
In a heartwarming exchange, the elderlies expressed their gratitude by filling the afternoon with lively songs and dances, creating an atmosphere of celebration and camaraderie. Their joy was palpable, and it was a testament to the power of compassion and the essence of giving back to the community. The children, too, were filled with excitement and gratitude, making the day truly special.
The secretariat and congressional staff, with their unwavering dedication, also spent quality time with the kids at the Reception and Study Center for Children. Their commitment to reinforcing the value of empathy, particularly for neglected, abandoned and abused children as well as for those with special needs, is truly inspiring.
A cheerful atmosphere enveloped the venue as the children played and had fun all afternoon. They tirelessly enjoyed every moment with the visitors, who showered them with love and attention, making the day special. They eagerly received various donations, including toys, milk, chocolate powdered drinks, chips, and slippers, among other gifts, adding to the joyous spirit of the day.
These activities were also made possible through donations from several lawmakers, including Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Bulacan Rep. Salvador Pleyto, Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, Makati City Rep. Romulo Peña, and Laguna Rep. Loreto Amante.
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