To ensure the safety of senior citizens amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Mayor Abigail "Abby" Binay has ordered the early distribution of "Pamaskong Handog" bags to over 80,000 registered senior citizens in Makati City.
The city government said they are distributing the Christmas bags to a total of 80, 931 elderlies.
Binay said they are prioritizing seniors ahead of the rest of city residents for their safety and convenience.
“We are conducting the exclusive distribution of Christmas packs for senior citizens to reduce their risk of exposure to COVID-19. We are also sparing them a trip to City Hall since the gift bags are made available in their own barangay halls,” said the mayor.
The annual Pamaskong Handog program, according to Binay, aims to bring a message of hope and to rekindle the joy of giving this Yuletide Season.
"At the same time, it serves as a reminder that we still have so much to be grateful for despite the hardships brought about by the pandemic,” she said.
Because of the pandemic, she said the city has advanced the schedule of distribution to maintain social distancing and other safety protocols.
The bags are being delivered daily to different barangays so that residents need not go to the City Hall, she added.
Each Christmas gift bag contains two Makatizen shirts, three cans of tuna flakes in oil, three cans of tuna flakes caldereta, three cans of corned beef, one can of luncheon meat, two cans of Vienna sausage, one pack of spaghetti sauce, one pack of pasta, one can of fruit cocktail, one can of condensed milk, one box of cheese, and one can of all-purpose cream.
According to the city government, City Hall personnel have started distributing the Christmas bags on November 2.