DMCI Homes employees help bring Christmas cheer back to community kids

Employee volunteers bond with the kids while playing video games.

With the past two years being reduced to online celebrations because of the pandemic, kids have been looking forward to a merrier Christmas celebration this year as mobility restrictions eased.

Knowing this, DMCI Homes and Barangay Bangkal, Makati City, joined hands to make Christmas extra special this year for kids living in their host community.

DMCI Homes and the Barangay Bangkal Council under the leadership of Chairman Mario Montañez delighted some 500 kids with games, gifts, and treats in a joint Children's Christmas Party and Gift-Giving Activity at the Barangay Sports Complex last December 3.

The annual Christmas Children’s Party and Gift-giving activity is part of DMCI Homes’ CSR program Kaakbay which aims to reach out to communities where the company operates.

Annual tradition

DMCI Homes employee volunteers did not want to miss the opportunity to bring Christmas cheer back to the community kids by acting as the children’s “ates” and “kuyas” for the day.

Prior to the pandemic, DMCI Homes, in partnership with the Barangay Bangkal Council, has been doing the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity since 2015 to give employees an opportunity to connect with kids living around the company’s head office.

Documents and Inventory Control Department Leo Losauro and Neil Tanseco who have been volunteering since 2015 said joining the activity is always a priceless experience.

“Continuing our annual traditions like gift-giving for the kids of Barangay Bangkal holds a special place in my heart,” said Neil.

“Nakikita mo ang galak at tuwa sa mga mata ng bata na almost two years din na hindi nakapaglaro at nakapag-interact sa ibang bata,” Leo added.

Kids get their souvenir photo with the help of DMCI Homes volunteers.

Joy of volunteering

For Finance employee Catherine Regino, who came all the way from Bulacan for the activity, said being with kids helps her see the world in a different light.

“Nakakatuwa ‘yong makikita kong ngumiti ‘yong mga bata sa mga simpleng laro and makipag-interact with them dahil minsan nakakalimutan na nang mga adult paano mag-enjoy sa mga simpleng bagay lang,” Catherine said.

First time volunteer, Jenalyn Parane said given the chance, she would love to join more DMCI Homes CSR activities next year.

“Super enjoy ‘yong feeling. Parang bumalik po ulit ako sa pagkabata. Masarap sa pakiramdam na makapagbigay ng kasiyahan sa mga kabataan,” Jenalyn shared.

Credit and Collection Supervisor Winnie Bravo, on the other hand, said volunteering is her way of giving back to the company and the Barangay Bangkal community.

"It’s one way of my gratitude by simply imparting my time in helping others," Winnie said.

"Kahit minsan nakakapagod pero kapag nakita mo 'yong ngiti ng mga bata parang balewala 'yong pagod mo," she beamed.

Employee volunteers also helped distribute snacks to the kids