LUBAO, Pampanga – A kid’s Christmas wish come true for 52 pediatric cancer patients and liver transplant recipients as Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda, and members of the family opened Pradera Islands Theme Park here for a day of fun and wonder on Dec. 16.
Gov Nanay said her family wished the patients to be imbued with the “Christmas is for children” spirit of innocence, wonder and pure joy, as a break from their medical treatments.
And how the children During the event, the children enjoyed various attractions, including arcade games, boat rides, airplane rides, swings, and the carousel. They also took part in a parade featuring cartoon characters and witnessed a musical fountain show and fireworks display.
And how the children loved it! Thriving in an atmosphere of fun and laughter at the arcade games, boat rides, airplane rides, swings, and the carousel. Staying up and about through the park parade featuring cartoon characters, magnificent musical fountain show, and spectacular fireworks display as nighttime came.
Many of the children experienced a theme park visit for the first time, making the occasion especially memorable for both the patients and their families.
“Sobrang saya niya ma’am, first time niya sobrang tuwa po niya. Maraming salamat po sa pamilya Pineda kasi, hinding-hindi nila po kami pinapabayaan, lagi po silang nandyan handang umagapay at tumulong sa mga katulad nami,” said Richard Acyatan of his child.
In addition to the recreational activities, the Pineda family provided meals for the children and extended financial and material assistance. Each beneficiary received ₱15,000 in cash assistance, a ₱2,000 food and souvenir allowance, milk and food items based on the children’s requests, and an additional ₱15,000 quarterly subsidy from the Provincial Capitol to help support ongoing medical needs.
Vice Gov. Delta said the activity was organized to help ease the financial burden of chemotherapy and medical treatments, while also giving the children an opportunity to momentarily set aside the difficulties brought about by their illness.
“Ang mga bata po ito ay mga alaga natin. Three months ago po nagkita-kita kami sabi ko maglkri-Christmas party kami, tinupad ko lang po ang commitment ko. Nagbigay po kami ng tulong para sa chemo nila at maagang pamasko. Sana po nag-enjoy po ang mga bata importante po ang ganitong experience nila na kahit galing sila sa mabigat na gamututan ay kahit papaano ay napasaya natin sila,” he said.
Gov. Nanay, meanwhile, encouraged parents to remain hopeful and steadfast in supporting their children, assuring them of the continued assistance and support of the provincial government and the Pineda family.
Pampanga PIO/Photos: Daniel Ombina
