Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan on Monday, Nov. 6, distributed sari-sari stores and bigasan livelihood packages to 44 city residents.

The distribution was held during the city government’s flag raising ceremony at the city hall, and the beneficiaries were chosen through a contest on Facebook wherein the participants were asked why they need the livelihood packages, among other guidelines.

It is part of the mayor’s 44th birthday celebration on Oct. 31.

“Bilang inyong alkalde, isa po ito sa aking simpleng pamamaraan upang higit na makatulong sa ating mga kababayan ngayong aking kaarawan. At ano pa nga ba ang mas magandang biyaya na matatanggap ko sa aking kaarawan kundi ang pagseserbisyo at pagtulong sa ating kapwa nang may aksyon at malasakit (As your mayor, this is one of my simple ways to help our countrymen more on my birthday. What better gift can I receive on my birthday than serving and helping our fellowmen with action and concern?)," he said.

Malapitan added that the programs of his administration are ways to repay the trust given by the people to his leadership.

He also assured that those who were not chosen will benefit from other opportunities prepared by the local government.

“Sa lahat po ng mga Batang Kankaloo, maraming-maraming salamat sa inyong patuloy na pagtitiwala kaya naman po sa mga hindi man pinalad na mapili ngayon, sigurado po na mabibigyan kayo ng oportunidad na makinabang sa mga benepisyo mula sa iba nating mga proyekto at programa (To all the Batang Kankaloo, thank you very much for your continued trust, that's why for those who are not lucky enough to be selected today, I am sure that you will be given the opportunity to benefit from our other projects and programs ,” he said.