Caloocan launches ‘Share a Toy’ drive

Caloocan City Mayor Enrico "Recom" Echiverri yesterday urged the city residents to participate in the "Share a Toy" project for less privileged and indigent children

Echiverri directed the Office of the Mayor and Department of Urban, Social, and Industrial Relations Service (DUSIRS) to lead the collection of toys and other presents that will be distributed to the beneficiaries of Tahanang Mapagpala and Social Development Center.

He said Tahanang Mapagpala takes care of the street children while the abused children are under the custody of the Social Development Center.

He added the donations can be put to boxes strategically placed in different schools, department stores, commercial centers, churches, non-government organizations and business establishments.

The residents can also give books, clothes, newspapers and other things that can still be used.

In line with this, Echiverri instructed the heads of different offices in the city hall to prohibit their employees from asking for Christmas gifts from the people they serve.

The mayor cited the case of Environment and Sanitation System (ESS) which he warned not to hand out envelopes to the residents whose garbage they collect.

"Lagi na lang kapag Pasko ang mga humahakot ng basura ay may bitbit na envelope. Para bang ipinapahiwatig na kapag wala kang pamasko hindi hahakutin ang basura nila. Huwag ganoon, tigilan na natin yon," Echiverri said.

He warned that any official or employee who will be found extorting gifts or any "pamasko" from the residents and businessmen will be facing severe sanctions.

"Ang public service ay walang hinihinging kapalit, Pasko man o hindi," he said. – Jerry Botial