A ‘winning’ gathering of friends

MANILA, Philippines - The newly restored old Senate Session Hall at the National Museum of the Philippines witnessed an afternoon of enduring partnerships and strengthened bonds during the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office’s (PCSO’s) recent “Lunch with Friends.” It was a gathering of individuals from different institutions and organizations that believe in “working together to achieve more” in helping the Filipinos.

It was a win-win occasion, for the partnership between PCSO and its friends spelled victory for the agency’s underprivileged beneficiaries, its “heart and soul.”

To PCSO chairman Margarita Juico, the event became an opportunity for thanksgiving. She said the agency and its “friends” share the same vision: the desire to assist those truly in need.

“Together, we can achieve much more in helping the poorest of the poor, and making known to them that they are our heart and soul,” Juico stressed.

PCSO, the principal government agency for raising and providing funds for health and welfare-related assistance and services and charities of national character, adheres to its main thrust by engaging in various social welfare and development programs. Through this event, the agency turned over grants to its mandated beneficiaries.

Among those who expressed appreciation for PCSO’s unflagging support was National Museum chairman of the board of trustees Ramon Del Rosario Jr., who assured the agency that its P25-million contribution to the museum will definitely be put to good use. “The support of PCSO will make the National Museum a world-class museum. This will do justice to our heritage,” said Del Rosario.

Office of the Government Corporate Counsel’s (OGCC) Raoul Creencia affirmed that the assistance PCSO gives brings legal advice to life.  According to Creencia, the statement “We are in good hands, salamat sa inyong tulong,” is the best compliment an agency like the OGCC can get from the people they are able to assist.

PCSO also gave individuals and institutions recognition through “Gawad ng Natatanging Pagkilala” and special citations. The list includes Philippine International Convention Center general manager Renato Padilla, National Kidney and Transplant Institute, International Container Terminal Services Inc., the Presidential Communications Operations Office and the Yellow Ribbon Movement.

There are many government agencies that PCSO is required to help through mandatory contributions and among them are the Philippine Sports Commission, Commission on Higher Education, Comprehensive and Integrated Shelter and Urban Development Financing Program, Philippine Centennial Commission, National Commission on Indigenous People, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Department of Foreign Affairs and Quirino Memorial Medical Center.

The event, with the heavenly voices of the PCSO Chorale singing in the background, was a testament to PCSO’s dedication to serving the poor.

“It is an opportunity to enkindle further our partnerships with our friends, strengthening the bond that ties us — the desire to assist those in need,” said PCSO general manager Jose Ferdinand Rojas II.