Dutertes’ yuletide gift-giving draws thousands

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Thousands flocked yesterday to the annual gift-giving activity hosted by the family of former president Rodrigo Duterte at their old residence along Taal Street, Royal Valley Subdivision in Barangay Bangkal here.

Vice President Sara Duterte graced the event, a tradition started in the late 1980s, wherein city residents receive packs containing rice, canned goods, cash and gift checks.

The former president also attended the event in the afternoon.

With people forming lines that snaked to as far as the neighboring subdivisions, the Davao city police estimated the crowd participating in the “Pahalipay sa Taal 2024” to be around 40,000.

Police said some people started lining up as early as Christmas Eve. The gift-giving started at 4 a.m. yesterday and continued until the afternoon.

In his yuletide message, the former president thanked all those who continued to support him as he wished everyone joy in the Christmas season.

Duterte urged Filipinos to thank God for all the blessings and the strength to face life’s struggles.

The Vice President, who spent Christmas in Davao with her family, also greeted the Filipino people a merry Christmas.