DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Authorities are now considering to implement some adjustments of its usual preparation for the next year’s annual gift giving of President Rodrigo Duterte in his residence here.
Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) Deputy Officer Angel Sumagaysay admitted that they did not expect that there were around 60,000 individuals who lined- up outside the Duterte family ancestral home.
“We have prepared around 40,000 gift packs for the people yet it was not enough because there are so many of them waiting,” said Sumagaysay.
The PSSCC only prepared around 40,000 gift packs for Davaoenos.
Sumagaysay said the cut-off time was 10 AM of December 25, leaving thousands of individuals went home empty handed due to the shortage of gift packs.
“We talked to them nicely, explaining that the gift packs were not enough for everyone. The people understand and they just went home” said Sumagaysay.
The line has stretched out 2 kilometers, reaching as far Talomo-Puan Bypass Road.
“Some of them came from the regions as far as Surigao City and Mati City. They are even here a night before the giving of gifts, camping outside the president’s home”, Sumagaysay added.
The “Pahalipay” or gift giving of the Duterte Family started in the 1960s with then Governor Vicente Duterte and was continued by President Duterte in the year 1988 up to present.
Meanwhile, the authorities also deployed around 1,500 personnel to attend the huge volume of individuals. (davaotoday.com)
