Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay (18 December) -- A total of 500 indigent families coming from the 28 barangays of Ipil attended the official launching of the "Pamaskong Handog ng Pangulo" and ceremonial distribution of Christmas packages at the Mini-gym, Ipil Heights, which was held yesterday.

Mayor Eldwin M. Alibutdan said that the people of Ipil were elated that National Government Agencies (NGAs) distributed Christmas packages to the less fortunate families, saying that it will help ease their problems especially during this holiday season.

"Our vision is to uplift the living conditions of our people, and in their behalf, I would like to express my deepest thanks and appreciation to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo through the national line agencies present today, for the care and concern shown to the indigent families of this municipality," Alibutdan said.

Mr. Romeo Carillo, President of the Tricycle Proprietor and Driver's Association (TRIPAD) expressed his thanks to the "Galing Mekaniko Ako" program of the President thru TESDA for giving them the opportunity to be equipped with the needed skills and abilities in motorcycle repairs. This would mean that they would no longer engage the services of a private mechanic, thus operation and maintenance of their respective tricycles would no longer be that expensive.

"Dako kaayo among kalipay nga si Presidente Arroyo mihimo ning maong kalihokan ug usa kini nga talagsaon nga higayon nga natagamtaman sa tibuok namong kinabuhi" (We are very grateful that President Arroyo has initiated this program, and this is the very first time that we have experienced in our entire life), said Arlyn Flores and Romeo Duremdes, both residents of barangay Tiayon, Ipil.