By Khriscielle Yalao
A special “Pamaskong Handog” will be given to Manila senior citizens soon, Mayor Isko Moreno-Domagoso announced in a Facebook live broadcast on Friday, Dec. 10.
Each gift box contains one premium hot cocoa mix, a ceramic mug with lid, a pack of premium cookies, and a small bag of black rice bought from Mindanoan farmers.
Moreno cited the nutritional benefits of black rice for heart and eye health, managing sugar and diabetes, and providing vitamins and nutrients.
Earlier, Manila launched its “Pamaskong Handog” program, distributing Christmas food boxes to every family in 435 barangays across four districts.
The food boxes for families included corned beef canned goods, spaghetti noodles and sauce, cheese, and canned fruit cocktail, and canned condensed milk.
The delivery of the food boxes began on Dec. 5 to 82 barangays in District 1. By Dec. 8, the city reached 200 barangays.
As of Friday, Dec. 10, 136 barangays in District 1, 122 barangays in District 2, and 123 barangays in District 3 received the food boxes.
Distribution of the food boxes to 54 barangays in District 4 is ongoing.
Mayor Isko once again thanked the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB), Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), and Department of Public Services (DPS) for helping in the delivery of the “Pamaskong Handog”.
He assured that no one will go hungry and there will be no sad family in Manila this Christmas.