Manila LGU to distribute 695,000 Christmas gift boxes to residents
The local government of Manila announced on Friday, Nov. 24, that it will begin the distribution of a total of 695,000 Christmas gift boxes to its residents.
Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said that the gift distribution will run from Dec. 1 until Dec. 12.
Lacuna-Pangan and Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) Chief Re Fuguso said that each box contains noche buena items such as spaghetti packs, fruit cocktails, rice, and all-purpose cream, among others.
The mayor assured that all families in the city would be given the Christmas gift box, assuring that no family in the city would go hungry on Christmas day.
She added that every household in the city, regardless of their status in life, will receive it, saying that the city of Manila observes inclusivity at all times.
Meanwhile, the lady mayor announced that a separate Christmas gift giving will be held for over 180,000 senior citizens in the city and will be distributed city-wide from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15.
The monthly financial aid for senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) for the remaining months up to December will be given starting first week of December.
Lacuna-Pangan also lauded Manila Vice Mayor and Council Presiding Officer John Marvin Yul Servo-Nieto and the members of the Manila City Council (MCC) for passing an ordinance that includes PWDs aged 18 and below in the monthly allowances.
She said that starting 2024, 18-year-olds and younger PWDs will also receive financial aid from the city government.