RESIDENTS receive gift packs from the Duterte family in Davao City on Christmas Day. (Keith Bacongco)
DAVAO CITY – Over 30, 000 people from different walks of life received gift packs during the annual gift-giving activity of the Duterte family at their old residence in Barangay Bangkal here on Christmas Day.
Vice President Sara Duterte graced the event known as “Pahalipay sa Taal.”
The Davao City Police Office said the crowd started to gather in Puan, about three kilometers away from the distribution area in Central Park Subdivision.
The crowd started to build up as early as Wednesday afternoon and these early birds spent Christmas Eve in the convergence area.
Some came from hinterland areas like Talaingod town, Davao del Norte province, over 130 kilometers away from this city; remote barangays in Marilog District here, and neighboring province of Bukidnon.
Organizers said the distribution of grocery packs, cash, and gift certificates started around 5 a.m.
Taal refers to the name of the street where the old residence of Vice President Duterte’s father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is located.
The Vice President interacted with the crowd, particularly elderly people.
A resident of Barangay New Carmen here said that she joined the queue around 4 a.m. and has yet to receive a gift pack as of 10:30 a.m. as she is still about half a kilometer away from the distribution area.
“I’d rather endure this long queue since I’ve got nothing to do at home except browsing my Facebook,” she said in jest.
The crowd lined up on the national highway and was assisted by hundreds of police officers and traffic constables.
Another resident from Barangay Panacan here said that she came to Bangkal along with her neighbors.
She said this is the fourth time she has joined the annual gift-giving activity. “It’s just sad this year that Mayor Rody is no longer around.”
The annual gift-giving activity was initiated by the Duterte patriarch over 30 years ago.