The Manila City government has completed its first wave of distribution of food boxes under its Manila COVID-19 Food Security Program.
At least 250,054 food boxes have been distributed in the city's first and second districts as of Monday, Feb. 15, data from the city government showed. Distribution began on Feb. 10.
Kenneth Amurao, director of Manila's Public Services Department, said they are eyeing to finish distribution in the city's third district today (Feb. 15).
Meanwhile, the distribution in Manila's fourth and fifth districts is expected to be completed by the end of the week, he added.
The distribution is led by the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau, Department of Engineering and Public Works, and Department of Public Services.
On Feb. 10, Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso launched the Manila COVID-19 Food Security Program, wherein around 700,000 families in the capital city will each receive food boxes for the next six months.
Domagoso said the program aims to curb the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on food security.
Each food box includes three kilos of rice, 16 pieces of canned goods, and 8 sachets of coffee. The city government has allocated a budget of about P3 billion for the program.