Tubod, Lanao del Norte – More than 2,000 adults and children from the Christian and Muslim communities of this fast-rising province received early Christmas gifts from the provincial government on December 8, 2011 as part of its “Pamaskong Handog” program.  

Recipients of the gift-giving activity which was held at Agora Public Market, in the capital town of Tubod, also includes persons with disabilities and senior citizens.

Each adult recipient received Christmas packs containing assorted grocery items worth five hundred pesos.

“We are thankful that we were made part of this program. And these groceries are a big help to us. Although we are Muslims and don’t celebrate Christmas but we are united with our Christian brothers as they celebrate this special event”, said Brgy. Pagalungan Captain Asif Juhan Macarambon.

Some 2,000 kids from the 22 towns of Lanao del Norte also received assorted toys worth three hundred pesos.

“We started with the Korban Festival where we also invited our Christian residents to be part of this generally Muslim event. We gave our Christian brothers 2 kilos of beef per family. Now that its Christmas time and we have this ‘Pamaskong Handog’ program for our Christian residents, we also decided to make our Muslim residents part of it”, Gov. Khalid Dimaporo explained.

Recipients of the ‘Pamaskong Handog’ program came from the following towns: Linamon, Kauswagan, Maigo, Bacolod, Kolambugan, Balo-I, Matungao, Pantao Ragat, Munai, Pantar, Tagoloan, Tubod, Baroy, Lala, Kapatagan, Sapad, Nunungan, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Poona Piagapo, Magsaysay, Tangkal and Salvador.

Each municpality was allotted 90 adults and 90 children as recipients of the gift-giving program.

“This is another peace-building initiative of Governor Khalid Dimaporo to strengthen the bond between the Muslims and Christians of Lanao del Norte”, said Information Officer Lyndon Calica.

Also on hand to witness the distribution of gifts was 2nd District Congresswoman Fatima Aliah Dimaporo.

The provincial government is also spearheading numerous events during the Christmas season - The Lanao del Norte International Motocross Invitationals, Kitty Girls Concert, Celebrity Basketball, and Lanao del Norte Council Golden Jubillee Year Scouts Jamboree and Kid/Kab Olympics. VNL/PIO-LDN