The holiday season became more meaningful
for around 34,000 Ilonggos after the Iloilo City Government distributed noche
buena gift packs to residents across the city.
Beneficiaries came from 180 barangays, with
priority given to persons with disability (PWDs), senior citizens, and members
of the Ati community in Barangay Lanit, Jaro. The initiative aimed to ensure
that vulnerable sectors could celebrate the holidays with food on their tables.
Mayor Raisa S. Treñas personally led the
distribution together with her team, expressing gratitude to the people of
Iloilo City for their continued trust and support.
“Together with the team, we delivered noche
buena gift packs to our beloved Ilonggo residents. This is the Iloilo City
Government’s way of thanking you for your trust and love for the city, and of
wishing everyone a Merry Christmas,” Mayor Treñas said.
She was assisted by Barangay Nutrition
Scholars, Barangay Health Workers, and daycare workers in the preparation and
distribution of the goods. Each gift pack contained a ham loaf, spaghetti
noodles and sauce, two cans of corned beef, a pack of macaroni pasta, two kilos
of rice, and a can of sardines.
The entire effort was facilitated by the
Uswag Atipan Center, a flagship initiative of Mayor Treñas designed to deliver
comprehensive and inclusive social services to Ilonggos.
In a related activity, children under the
care of the City Social Welfare and Development Office’s Crisis Intervention
Unit were treated to a day of fun featuring games, storytelling, community
sing-and-dance activities, and snacks. The children also received hygiene kits.
Recipients expressed their appreciation for
the program, including Grace Modoc from Barangay San Jose, Jaro, who thanked
the city government for the timely assistance during the holidays.
“Gapasalamat gid ko sa pamaskwa ni Mayor
Raisa Treñas kag sang Iloilo City Government,” said Modoc.
The gift-giving activity is part of the
city government’s continuing commitment to promote compassion, inclusivity, and
shared celebration during the holiday season.