Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Vice Mayor John Marvin "Yul Servo" Nieto have already distributed around 24,000 food boxes in Tondo, as part of their "12 Days of Christmas" gift-giving initiative.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring that all families in the city, especially those facing economic challenges, can celebrate the Christmas season with food on their table.
A total of 24,397 food boxes, filled with noche buena items, were distributed to residents of Barangays 20 and 275 in Parola, Tondo.
The local government said Tondo residents were the first recipients of the distribution, which forms part of a broader effort to reach around 700,000 households across the city.
The distribution, which began on December 1, is a reflection of the local government’s unwavering commitment to supporting its constituents, particularly during the holiday season.
Despite the many challenges that residents face, Mayor Honey said the initiative seeks to bring joy and a sense of community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with a festive meal.
The city hopes to ease the financial burden that several families experience during the holidays by providing food boxes containing essential noche buena items.
The local government said the "12 Days of Christmas" not only meets the immediate needs of Manila’s residents but also highlights the compassion and dedication of Lacuna-Servo tandem, and other city officials to improve the lives of their constituents.
The food box distribution was first launched in December 22 which benefited more than 695,000 households in Manila.