The city government of San Juan will roll out its version of ‘Pamaskong Handog’ gift bags to its residents on Wednesday.

Mayor Francis Zamora said the distribution of the ‘pamaskong handog’ will serve as the local government’s gift to its constituents, to make them feel the spirit of the holidays amid the prevailing health crisis.

“This is the local government’s Christmas gift to our constituents, we want to make them happy and feel the Christmas spirit despite the pandemic dampening the mood of this year’s Christmas season,” Zamora said in a social media post.

“Nasa dugo na ng mga Pilipino ang Pasko kaya sisiguruhin kong may pagkain sa hapag ng mga San Juaneño sa araw ng kapanganakan ni Hesus (Christmas season is part of Filipino tradition so I will make sure that San Juaneños have food on their table on the day of the commemoration of Jesus’ birth),” he added.

To avoid the crowding of people, Zamora said the city government will distribute the holiday packs in a house-to-house basis.

Each family will need to present an official ticket provided by the city government upon claiming the gift bags.

Residents will be asked to leave chairs outside their house premises where the distribution team can put Christmas packages.

The distribution of the holiday gift packs for the 21 villages in San Juan will kick-off at Barangays Corazon De Jesus, Pasadena, Salapan, and Progreso.

Meanwhile, Zamora reminded the residents not to be complacent as the fight against the dreaded virus continues.

“The fight is far from over. We have managed to get our numbers down since September, so I am asking everyone, especially this Christmastime, to avoid Christmas parties, avoid going out, and follow all health and safety protocols so we will welcome the year with lesser active cases,” said Zamora.

Zamora said the city government is expecting a spike in Covid-19 cases after the holiday season. (PNA)