The Manila City government has started the distribution of Christmas boxes for senior citizens on Friday, Dec. 17.
The Pamaskong Handog box includes premium hot cocoa mix, ceramic mug and lid, premium cookies, and three kilograms of black rice bought from Mindanaoan farmers.
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso had earlier cited the nutritional benefits of black rice.
Domagoso said that black rice can help in controlling sugar and diabetes as well as in providing vitamins and nutrients.
At least 712 barangays in Manila City have already received their Pamaskong Handog from the city government.
Each box contained corned beef canned goods, spaghetti noodles, spaghetti sauce, cheese, canned fruit cocktail, and canned condensed milk. (Cherrylin Caacbay)