HAPPY KID — A child with deformities enjoys a snack given free on the National Children’s Day event organized by the Buklod Lingap Foundation of Bulacan, Inc. with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and their sponsors at the SM City-Baliuag, last Wednesday. (Freddie C. Velez)

Baliuag, Bulacan — Neither pity nor worry is what children with deformities deserve.

Ms. Vernie Gonzalez, who chairs the Buklod Lingap Foundation of Bulacan, Inc. (BLFBI), said what these special young individuals yearn for is acceptance and that the recognition that they, too, can taste the simple joys of life.

In a simple program for these children and their families at the Events Center of the SM City mall, here, the other day, the BLFBI and the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO) did just that.

With the theme, “Bata Kasali Ka, Ikaw ay Mahalaga,” the program started with PWSDO Head Rowena Joson-Tiongson addressed them as “a very special gift from God” and welcomed them as part every celebration of National Children’s Month.

Tiongson reminded them that they have equal rights and importance as every Filipino child and son and daughter of the world.

Her message was echoed by Msgr. Pablo S. Legaspi Jr. of the Malolos City Cathedral of the Immaculate Concepcion, who recalled a Psalm (127:3-5) for the children: “Sons are a gift from the Lord and children, a reward from Him. Like arrows in the hand of a fighting man are the sons of a man’s youth.”

The children enjoyed video presentations, dances and songs rendered by selected students of Mary the Queen School of Malolos. They were also treated to food and goodies and a gift-giving of toys and even packs of groceries for their families.