Two of the more than 60,000 beneficiaries of the Pamaskong Handog initiative in Valenzuela. (Photo Courtesy: Valenzuela PIO)
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – Some 67,061 elderlies from Valenzuela received Christmas gift packages through the city government’s annual “Pamaskong Handog para kina Lolo’t Lola.”
Mayor Wes Gatchalian extends his warm Christmas Wishes to Valenzuelano elderly during the distribution of the Pamaskong Handog gift package. (Photo Courtesy: Valenzuela PIO)
Itong taon at buwan na ito ay hindi lamang pasko ang ating cinecelebrate, kundi ang ika-apat na raang taong anibersaryo ng ating mahal na lungsod. Lahat kayo ay parte ng kasaysayan. Lahat kayo ay saksi kung ano ang Valenzuela noon, kung ano ang Valenzuela ngayon, at ano ang Valenzuela sa mga darating na panahon (This year and month is not just about the celebration of Christmas, but also the four hundred years anniversary of our beloved city. You are all part of history. You all bore witness to the past, present, and future of Valenzuela),” said City Mayor Wes Gatchalian.
“Sana ay nakapaghatid ng ngiti ang munting regalo na hatid namin sa inyo (I hope that our little gesture made you smile),” he added.
The local chief executive personally led the distribution of gifts to the registered senior citizens in the 33 barangays of the city as a way of honoring the significant contribution of the elderly population to the vibrant historical trajectory that makes up the unique identity of Valenzuela.
The Pamaskong Handog gift package includes 2 kilograms of rice, canned goods, and other essential Christmas food items to bring cheer among the elderly this yuletide season.
In addition, the bags carrying the gift items were custom-made by the sewers in Disiplina Village (DV) Lingunan and Bignay, a local livelihood association which forms part of the city government’s sustainable and dignified employment initiatives.
The food items inside the Pamaskong Handog Gift Package of Valenzuela. (Photo Courtesy: Valenzuela PIO)
The 5-day distribution of the Pamaskong Handog started on Thursday, December 7, in Barangay Wawang Pulo, Balangkas, Poblacion, Pulo, Pariancillo Villa, Palasan, Isla, Bisig, Mabolo, Tagalog, Arkong Bato, Coloong, Pasolo, Rincon, and Malinta.
The local government initially conducted a house-to-house visitation to eligible beneficiaries to provide them with a voucher that they will present to claim the Christmas package alongside the ID issued by the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA). (Valenzuela PIO/PIA-NCR)
