Cabinet Sec. Karlo Alexei Nograles and McDonald’s Philippines represented by its chief finance officer Robert Ramos donated 2,100 food packs to Muntinlupa City as part of the government-private sector movement Pilipinas Kontra Gutom (PKG).

Nograles joined the Muntinlupa City government’s flag raising ceremony with Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac and Rep. Ruffy Biazon. 

“As co-chair of the IATF against COVID-19, the IAFT-EDI , we thank Muntinlupa City for its efforts against COVID-19,” Nograles said. 

He said 2021 looks bright with the expected arrival of COVID-19 vaccine and this will be an important part for Filipinos to go back to their normal lives. 

As chair of the Task Force Zero Hunger, Nograles said “what is always in mind is not only the economy but how we can allow Filipinos to go back to their normal work. Because we know that the problem COVID-19 brought is hunger. Our countrymen are experiencing severe hunger,” he said. 

He added that the Task Force Zero Hunger is focusing on providing a solution to the problem of hunger “that’s why we are here together with McDonald’s,” which is a founding partner of  PKG, a joint effort by the government and private sector. PKG, he said, not only provides food but helps to farmers and fishermen. 

Fresnedi said Filipinos will be very busy this Christmas season but reminded the public of the importance of social distancing, wearing face masks and face shields, and hand washing. 

“It is very important that each of us (in the city government) should observe the things we say. As leaders of the city, we should show that we observe health protocols that we always remind the public to follow,” he said. 

As of Dec. 14, Muntinlupa has 5,023 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 4,805 recoveries, 163 deaths, and 55 active cases.