Over 4,000 kids to attend annual Pasko sa Uptown

AROUND 4,500 indigent kids in Cebu City will be treated to a day of fun, games and surprises during the annual Christmas party organized by the city government and private volunteers.

The party is among the highlights of the eighth Pasko sa Uptown. This year, the party will be held tomorrow at the Labangon Elementary School.

In a press conference yesterday, members of the Cebu City Progressive Uptown Movement (CCPUM) said they have raised P1.4 million for the party.

This includes the P470,000 set aside by the city government for the annual event.

Anecito “Abbey” Canturias, executive director of the Cebu City Business Center, said each of the 80 barangays will send 50 to 60 kids, aged 7 to 11, to the Christmas party.

In previous years, only 40 barangays were asked to send their children to the event. The organizers decided to expand the event to cater to more less-privileged kids in the city, particularly those from the upland barangays.

San Jose Barangay Captain Joventino Ardaba said yesterday that they were grateful that their kids are among the beneficiaries.

“Kami tawn taga bukid tagsa ra makadawat og grasya gikan sa patag mao nga mapasalamaton kaayo mi. Dili man masulod sa libro among tagsa-tagsa nga pasalamat maayo unta ug masulod ni ang among pagpasalamat sa inyong huna-huna og kasingkasing,” he said.

(We in the uplands seldom receive blessings from the city government which is why we are really thankful for this.)

More than 130 volunteers from the CCUPM have committed to spend time with the kids during the party.

The group has been asking members to donate for the party. At least 100 individuals have committed sponsorship.