CHRISTMAS CARAVAN. The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, led by Gov. Matthew Joseph Manotoc, distributes noche buena packages to indigent families as part of the week-long Christmas caravan. Manotoc also gave birthday cakes to all senior citizens who are celebrating their birthday on Wednesday (Dec. 11, 2019) in Dingras, Ilocos Norte. (Photo courtesy of the Ilocos Norte Provincial Government)
LAOAG CITY -- Reaching out to the poorest of the poor communities in the province of Ilocos Norte, Capitol workers, led by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc, are distributing noche buena packages, medicines and school supplies to selected beneficiaries.
The five-day Christmas caravan started on Monday in the northernmost part of Pagudpud where around 61 families, who were affected by series of floods and landslides, received grocery items, medicines, school supplies and food packs.
During the Yuletide season, the provincial government continues its gift-giving tradition to indigent families and ensure that they have food on the table during the holidays.
“There is no better time than Christmas for friends and families to come together. May the true meaning of the season fill our hearts and may we appreciate loved ones and share our blessings with them,” said Manotoc as he led the distribution of gifts particularly among senior citizens and children in municipal and village halls where the beneficiaries were brought in by their respective local government units.
Like in previous years, the beneficiaries of the Christmas caravan are not included in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as they get regular assistance from the national government.
“We select the beneficiaries based on their status in life, most of them are individuals who live in highly vulnerable areas who were hardly hit by typhoon and other natural calamities,” said Edwin Cariño, head of the Sustainable and Development Office under the provincial government.
After the noche buena packages distribution in the towns of Pagudpud, Bangui, Burgos, Pasuquin and Bacarra on Monday, the Capitol team visited the towns of Solsona, Dingras and Sarrat on Wednesday for similar gift-giving program.
“We are thankful for this early Christmas gift. I hope this will continue to benefit more people in need,” said Felicisima Baloran of Pagudpud town.
Due to non-stop rains, the Baloran family is among the most heavily-affected in Pagudpud when their house was submerged in flood. (PNA)
