For 15-year-old Vonn Ashier Guia, the memory of the fire that destroyed his family’s home in Barangay Pantal, Dagupan City on November 11 is still painfully fresh. But this week, he and dozens of other students affected by recent disasters received a small but meaningful reason to smile again.

Vonn is one of 60 students from Dagupan City National High School who were given early Christmas gifts through the school’s Handog Pagmamahal Program, an annual initiative of the Values Education Department held as part of the Filipino Values Month celebration.

“Noong tumingin kami sa labas ng bintana, may maitim na usok. Makapal. Pumapasok na rin po,” Vonn said.

His family has been renting a place temporarily in Barangay Tebeng since the incident.

This year’s beneficiaries include students who suffered losses not only from fires but also from a series of typhoons that struck Dagupan and nearby towns in recent months.

According to Josephine Liwanag, Head Teacher VI of the Values Education Department, the program aims to remind students of love, compassion, and community, especially during hardship.

“Gaya ng pagmamahal ni Jesus Christ sa atin, kaya ‘Whispered Love’… ang gift na ito ay punong-puno ng pagmamahal,” Liwanag said.

The gifts include items that students can use for their simple Noche Buena celebrations, a gesture meant to help them feel the warmth of Christmas despite the challenges they face.

For Vonn, the gesture meant more than material help.

“Maraming salamat po. Kahit wala na kaming bahay, meron pa rin akong pangalawang bahay, dito sa school po,” he said.

Now on its fifth year, the Handog Pagmamahal Program continues to grow, with organizers hoping it will inspire a culture of kindness among students.

“Nagra-radiate ‘yung pagmamahal. Nag-i-spread ‘yan. Let us spread love palagi,” Liwanag added.