Residents of 54 barangays in Calamba City, Laguna have received over 180,000 Christmas gift packs from the city government during a 10-day gift-giving activity that started December 8 and ends December 17.
“We want to show our appreciation and love to our people, who, despite all the difficulties this year, they are still resilient and supportive of our city. We simply want them to feel that Christmas is here, the Lord has been good to us, and we want to let them know that we are always here to support them and serve them; they are not alone,” Mayor Ross Rizal, who led the distribution with other local officials and volunteers, said in a statement.
Rizal said these gift packages contained everyday necessities and “Noche Buena” (Christmas Eve repast) items. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens also received special benefits and cash vouchers for select residents in need, he added.
CALAMBA City, Laguna Mayor Ross Rizal (second from left) distributes Christmas gift packages to senior citizens in Barangay San Jose on December 15.
He added that this program was part of their collective effort to renew the city government’s outlook and approach to public service by connecting with residents through projects that benefit them directly.
Calamba City, the birthplace of national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, is one of the country’s fastest-growing cities and Top 10 tax-earning cities outside Metro Manila as a result of its thriving economy driven by the industrial and commercial sectors.
But Rizal said the city’s development should not only be limited to economic performance but also through its social and environmental impact felt by its residents.
He said they are planning to launch more impactful projects and programs on healthcare, education, infrastructure, environment, relief, and disaster preparedness through partnerships with the private sector and civil society.
“We’ve come a long way, and I am proud with what we have achieved as a city. But again, this is just the beginning and there is a lot more work to be done, that’s why we continue to push forward, and we really need everyone on board with us with our shared vision of new Calamba (CalamBago), as a city of excellence in service, innovation, and for the benefit of the Calambeños,” said Rizal.