MANILA, Philippines — Christmas has come early for residents of the cities of Valenzuela and Mandaluyong as they started receiving gift packs from their local governments.
In Valenzuela, Mayor Weslie Gatchalian led the distribution of P60.83 million worth of grocery packs and rice bags to the city’s 70,136 senior citizens.
Gatchalian on Friday led the “Pamaskong Handog para kay Lolo’t Lola” gift-giving program, an annual tradition for senior citizens in Valenzuela.
Meanwhile, Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Sr. and Vice Mayor Carmelita Abalos led the distribution of 275,000 Noche Buena packs in the city’s 27 barangays yesterday.
Each plastic box contained three canned goods, ingredients for spaghetti and powdered coffee.
Even residents of condominium buildings also received gift packs.
Abalos started the gift-giving tradition when he first became mayor of the city in 1987.big win