The Manila City government will start distributing Christmas food boxes to its residents starting December 1.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan inspected the food boxes at the San Andres Sports Complex on Wednesday, the Manila Public Information Office (MPIO) said.
At least 695,000 families will receive Christmas food boxes.
The giveaways contain rice, corned beef, spaghetti noodles and sauce, cheese, fruit cocktail and milk.
A total of 160,000 gift boxes will be distributed to senior citizens.
Meanwhile, as the people start to plan their activities for the upcoming holidays, a health expert Wednesday recommended conducting them in open spaces to avoid the risk of COVID-19 infection.
In a public briefing, former Philippine Medical Association president Dr. Benito Atienza, now the vice president III of the Philippine Federation of Professional Association, was asked for advice in order for Christmas gatherings not to become COVID-19 superspreader events. Willie Casas
“Our parties should be in the open spaces so the air is free flowing. The food should also be served individually, not in buffet. There had been an increase in the number of people who got COVID-19 when they had a buffet,” Atienza said.
Atienza also called on people working in hotels and other party venues to encourage guests to keep wearing their face masks and remove them only when they are eating.
Seating arrangements of guests in tables should also still follow physical distancing, Atienza added. Willie Casas