Mandaluyong spreads Yuletide cheers

The local government of Mandaluyong City launched a citywide, simultaneous distribution of Christmas gift packs on Sunday, with Mayor Menchie Abalos personally leading the house-to-house delivery of Noche Buena packages.

Abalos disclosed that close to 300,000 families, an estimated 275,000 households, are expected to receive the holiday packages.

The distribution is inclusive, with eligibility extended to all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status or residency status.

“Actually, even if you live in a condo, even if you live in posh subdivisions, even if it’s a street or a barangay, and even if you’re rich and poor — everyone will receive a gift pack,” Abalos said, clarifying that the distribution is done per family. “As you can see, even if it’s just one house, there are two or three gift packs that we give.”

Each “Pamaskong handog” food box contains Noche Buena items such as rice, sugar, coffee, canned goods, spaghetti and sauce, fruit cocktail and all-purpose cream.

Abalos explained that because of the sheer volume, the house-to-house delivery process could take up to two to three weeks to complete across the city’s 27 barangays.