Ford Global Philippines Celebrates Christmas with Gawad Kalinga Children

More than 100 Gawad Kalinga (GK) children experienced a unique Christmas last December 14, one that only Ford Global Philippines (FGP) can provide. As part of their Operation Better World Program, Ford celebrates Christmas with GK communities annually, and the kids at Bayanihan GK Village in Trece Martirez City were the program’s lucky recipients. Other GK communities were also scheduled to be visited by FGP in the following days.

Ford invited media and guests to Trece Martirez the event, which was organized in partnership with American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) and GK. Volunteers from both organizations, along with a good number of Ford people, enjoyed the Christmas party with the kids.

Media and guests enjoyed being ferried to the event in four Ford Ranger pickups of different trims, each carrying a set of gifts that were segregated according to the GK children’s different age brackets.

GK Youth leaders opened the ceremonies with a prayer and the singing of the national anthem. After the welcoming remarks by an FGP representative and a message from Edgar Purificacion, GK Head for the Province of Cavite, it was on to the party proper.

The kids got to play a few party games where the winners were treated to some great party favors. A few media people also participated in some of the events. After the games, members of the GK Youth presented a couple of song and dance numbers.

After the games and presentations, Santa dropped by to give the kids their gifts. The volunteers guided the kids to the four Ford Ranger pickups, where both Santa and their gifts were waiting. The volunteers kept the kids in line, and one by one, they all received their gifts from Santa.

Food for the party was provided by McDonald's, and two of their popular mascots, Hamburglar and Birdie the Early Bird, provided some entertainment while the kids chowed down on their meals.

The Christmas program celebrated with the GK kids was unique indeed, as the participants wished their goodbyes and carried a gift for themselves as well. All look forward for the next Christmas to compare with the previous ones.