As the season of giving starts, the city keeps its annual Yuletide gift-giving through Pamaskong Handog para kay Lolo't Lola. The Valenzuela City Government, led by Mayor WES Gatchalian, kick-starts the yearly tradition, and a total of 70,163 listed senior citizens from 33 barangays received their gift packs, December 6, 2024.

The City Government of Valenzuela has allocated a budget worth PhP 60,836,000.00 for the purchase of grocery packages and rice in gift packs to be distributed to the elderly in the city; PhP 53,600,000.00 is allotted for grocery items and PhP 7,236,000.00 for sacks of rice. 

On the first day of the distribution of gift packs, some 12,666 senior citizens received their Christmas presents from the local government. Each of the eligible recipients received a bag with 2 kilograms of rice, a box containing canned goods, and a spaghetti package.

In his short remarks during the event, Mayor WES sent his thanks to the elders who unceasingly support the programs outlined by the local government. He said, “Sa atin pong minamahal na mga lolo’t lola, ang aking dalangin po ay biyayaan kayo ng mahal na Panginoon ng maayos na kalusugan at [mapuno] ng kaligayahan ang [inyong] tahanan ngayong kapaskuhan. Alam niyo po, mga kasama, hindi ko po makakalimutan ang suportang ibinibigay ng ating higit na 80,000 na mga senior citizen sa buong Lungsod ng Valenzuela, kaya’t sa pamamagitan po nito ay ipinaparating po naming sa inyo ang pagmamahal mula sa pamahalaang lungsod.” [To our beloved elderlies, my prayer is that the Lord will bless you with good health and fill your home with happiness this Christmas season. I will never forget the support given by our more than 80,000 senior citizens throughout Valenzuela City. Through this, we convey to you the love from the city government].

Elderlies who are listed as beneficiaries must bring their voucher—given to them weeks prior—and their OSCA ID to the venue where they are listed and scheduled.

This program is also a way for the local government to thank senior citizens for their significant contributions to the economic prosperity and continued development of Valenzuela City. In this regard, in its untiring campaign for inclusive public service, the city always prioritizes the elderly's welfare and well-being.

The Pamaskong Handog 2024 gift-giving will roll for five days until all beneficiaries from the 33 barangays are completely covered.

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