The Valenzuela City government started the distribution of annual “Pamaskong Handog” Christmas gift packs to senior citizens.
(Photos from Valenzuela City Government)
Mayor Weslie “WES” Gatchalian led the kick-off ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6.
The initiative aims to express gratitude and recognition for the city's elderly residents and to ensure they have a meaningful holiday season.
(Photo from Valenzuela City Government)
A total of 70,163 registered senior citizens from 33 barangays will receive the gift packs.
According to the city’s Public Information Office, the city has allocated P60,836,000 for the program, with P53,600,000 allocated for grocery items and P7,236,000 for rice.
The first phase of the distribution reached 12,666 senior citizens, each recipient received a bag containing two kilograms of rice, a box of canned goods, and a package of spaghetti.
Gatchalian expressed his gratitude to the elderly for their continuous support of the city government.
“Sa atin pong minamahal na mga lolo’t lola, ang aking dalangin po ay biyayaan kayo ng mahal na Panginoon ng maayos na kalusugan at [mapuno] ng kaligayahan ang [inyong] tahanan ngayong kapaskuhan (To our beloved elderlies, my prayer is that the Lord will bless you with good health and fill your home with happiness this Christmas season),” he said.
“Alam niyo po, mga kasama, hindi ko po makakalimutan ang suportang ibinibigay ng ating higit na 80,000 na mga senior citizen sa buong Lungsod ng Valenzuela, kaya’t sa pamamagitan po nito ay ipinaparating po naming sa inyo ang pagmamahal mula sa pamahalaang lungsod (I will never forget the support given by our more than 80,000 senior citizens throughout Valenzuela City. Through this, we convey to you the love from the city government),” Gatchalian added.
The city government said that senior citizens must present their vouchers and OSCA IDs at their scheduled venues to receive their gifts.
The city’s annual tradition provides practical assistance and reinforces Valenzuela City’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and well-being of its senior residents.
The local government said that the Pamaskong Handog 2024 gift distribution will continue for five days, to ensure that all beneficiaries from the 33 barangays are covered, making this Christmas season special for Valenzuela’s elders.