PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos welcomed on Sunday in Malacañang the 1,700 children from orphan care centers and provided them gifts.

The “Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya” gift-giving day is simultaneously held in 300 satellite centers to over 17,000 children nationwide.

Marcos recalled his Christmas memories during his childhood.

“Alam ninyo noong kasing tanda ko lang kayo, maliit din ako noon, ‘yung tatay ko siya ang presidente rito. Kaya bawat Pasko ganito ang aming ginagawa dito,” the President shared.

Meanwhile, Marcos stressed that Christmas is about children and it is important to make them happy during the Christmas season.

“At alam naman natin – we all know that Christmas is really about the children. And we always have a Merry Christmas when the children have a good Christmas. Na makita natin ang inyong mga ngiti, na kayo naman ay ‘pag sinabing Merry Christmas ay may kabuluhan,” the Chief Executive said.