FILIPINO CHILDREN IN MOROCCO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL IN RABAT

Rabat, 15 December 2024 - The Philippine Embassy in Rabat, in collaboration with the Filipino community in Morocco, hosted a successful celebration of its annual Christmas celebration, Paskong Pinoy, on 15 December 2024 at the Embassy grounds in Rabat. Now on its third year since the Embassy’s reopening, the event brought together members of the Filipino community, Moroccan friends and guests from the diplomatic corps.

Candidates of Little Mr. and Ms. Stars of Christmas with their parents at the Embassy grounds

In his opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie J. Baja highlighted the values of love, generosity and unity that define the Filipino Christmas season. Ambassador Baja took the opportunity to present a Certificate of Recognition to Ms. Elvira Dela Cruz, a Filipino community leader, for being one of the recipients of the 2024 Presidential Award for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO), Banaag category, in recognition of her exceptional service and commitment.

Ms. Elvira dela Cruz being awarded a Certificate of Recognition by Ambassador Leslie Baja

Ambassador Baja also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Filipino community in Morocco, whose dedication continues to foster goodwill and deepen the bonds between the two countries.

This year’s Paskong Pinoy featured a vibrant Filipino Food Bazaar, offering various Filipino delicacies which delighted guests. The event also included raffle draws, games, exchange gifts, and live performances which added to the festive atmosphere.

The highlight of the celebration was the Little Mr. and Ms. Stars of Christmas, a fundraising activity featuring ten Filipino children, aged 4 to 10 years old, living in Morocco. The winners were determined based on the total number of raffle tickets they sold. Part of the proceeds of raffle ticket sales will be donated to the Children’s Hospital in Rabat, reflecting the Filipino community’s spirit of generosity and commitment to making a positive impact in their host country and teaching the children of the true meaning of Christmas. END

Winners of the Little Mr. and Ms. Stars of Christmas

Organizers of Paskong Pinoy 2024