Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao has just made Christmas a whole lot happier occasion for 150 homeless families following his announcement that he will be building them new homes, which will be ready for occupancy by next year.
According to PhilBoxing.com, the 36-year-old boxer spent 28.5 million pesos or roughly around $604,000 of his own money to build homes in Bales village, Maasim town, where he serves as a congressman.
The Christian boxer told the housing beneficiaries that they should thank God, not him, for the blessings they received. "Give thanks to God for what you have received today. It's a gift from Him," he said of the project, which is now lovingly called "Pacman Village" by its soon-to-be residents.
The housing project will be ready by next February, and Pacquiao hopes that it will spell out a brighter future for the new homeowners. He encouraged them to appreciate the blessings God has given them. "He's just using me to help you," Pacquiao told them. "Take good care of this property and don't sell it," he said.
The God-fearing boxer will not stop with just 150 homes since he plans to build a total of 600 units. "There are still lots of spaces here where we can build more houses. I'm targeting a total of 600 housing units to accommodate more homeless residents here," he said.
The locals of Sarangani province were humbled by his magnanimous donation and praised him for being a kind-hearted leader. Tino Alcala, chairman of Bales village, praised Pacquiao to no end because of the genuine concern he has shown to his countrymen.
"This is the kind of leader we're looking for. Unlike other congressmen, who disappear and could no longer be seen after election, Congressman Pacquiao is always there every time we need him," Alcala said. "Pacquiao makes us feel the government is taking good care of us."
