The local government of Manila will begin distributing Christmas gift boxes to families and senior citizens starting 1 December.

Mayor Honey Lacuna said that the gift boxes for families will be distributed until 12 December while the boxes for senior citizens will be distributed on 13-15 December.

Lacuna said that the gift boxes for families will contain Noche Buena items, such as spaghetti noodles and sauce, fruit cocktail, rice, and all-purpose cream. She said that the boxes will ensure that no family will go hungry on Christmas Day.

The boxes for senior citizens will contain different items, such as food and personal care products. Lacuna said that there are about 180,000 senior citizens in Manila and that the city government is committed to taking care of them.

Lacuna also announced that the city government will begin distributing monthly financial aid to senior citizens, solo parents and persons with disabilities in the first week of December.

She said that the aid will cover the remaining months of the year, including December.

Lacuna said that the city government is also expanding its monthly financial aid program to include persons with disabilities who are 18 and under. She said that this is in accordance with an ordinance passed by the Manila City Council.

Lacuna thanked Vice Mayor and Council Presiding Officer Yul Servo and the members of the Manila City Council for passing the ordinance.

The city government of Manila is committed to providing assistance to its residents, especially during the holiday season. The distribution of Christmas gift boxes and monthly financial aid is just one way that the city government is showing its support for its people, Lacuna said.