The government water services regulator has again teamed up with its private sector concessionaire to distribute groceries and other Christmas gifts to indigent customers in this province.

Thousands of people, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), on Tuesday flocked to the Quezon Metropolitan Water District (QMWD) compound in Barangay Ibabang Dupay here to receive their gifts courtesy of the QMWD and water services provider Prime Water Incorporated.

In an interview, QMWD general manager Carina de Asis said this initiative started in 2012, designed to make the indigent families feel they are part of the QMWD’s community.

She said under the QMWD’s Gender and Development (GAD) Program, they distributed Christmas gifts to 500 select families in Tayabas City, 500 from the town of Pagbilao and another 1,000 families in Lucena.

Senior citizens, solo parents and the handicapped were given priority, according to the regulator’s executives.

“The bags of groceries symbolize not only the material support provided by QMWD but also the spirit of unity and compassion that defines the holiday season,” de Asis said.

The bag of groceries contained canned goods, noodles, coffee and pasta.

De Asis said the gift distribution underscored the water district’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its dedication to uplifting the communities it serves.

“We are proud to continue this tradition of giving back to the community, especially during the holidays. Through our GAD Program, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most,” she said.

Prime Water serves Lucena City, Pagbilao and Tayabas City, with over 10,000 service connections in the three jurisdictions. (PNA)