The city government of Mandaue is in the final stretch of its massive Christmas food distribution drive, with the 'Gugma sa Pasko Noche Buena Packs' program set to continue until December 19, 2025. This initiative aims to ensure thousands of households receive holiday assistance before Christmas Day.
Over 90% of Target Beneficiaries Reached
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano reported that the program has already reached more than 90 percent of its intended beneficiaries. He highlighted the significance of this year's effort, noting that for many families, this marks their first time receiving such Christmas food packs from the city.
"We are very happy that even more than 90 percent of our beneficiaries have already received these Christmas food packs, and this is the first time we have done this here in Mandaue," Mayor Ouano stated. He described the city-wide initiative as one of its most inclusive holiday programs to date.
Aid for Families Affected by Disasters
The mayor emphasized that the distribution comes at a crucial time, particularly for families still recovering from recent calamities like typhoons and earthquakes. "Because of the calamities we experienced, the typhoons and the earthquake, they have the least to look forward to this Christmas," Ouano added.
The city's goal is to give residents a reason to celebrate joy amidst the challenges faced throughout the year. To ensure no qualified household is left out, the city has allocated an additional 14,000 extra packs to cover potential gaps in the master list.
Push for a Permanent Christmas Tradition
Looking beyond this year, Mayor Ouano has made a formal request to the Mandaue City Council. He is asking councilors to pass an ordinance that would institutionalize the 'Gugma sa Pasko' program, making it a permanent city project regardless of future changes in administration.
"My request to the City Council is to pass an ordinance so that this program will be institutionalized. Whoever sits in office, the Gugma sa Pasko Christmas food packs must continue," Ouano asserted. He also extended gratitude to the City Council, Vice Mayor Glenn Bercede, and barangay and city personnel for their roles in approving the budget and facilitating the distribution.
For households yet to receive a pack, the mayor clarified that the master list is based on the 2023 City-Based Monitoring System (CBMS). With only days left before Christmas, new barangay registrations are difficult. To address this, barangay officials have been directed to verify homes that have not received aid.
"If the house truly did not receive a food pack, no matter how many families live there, they will definitely be given one," the mayor assured. Despite minor delays in some areas due to verification, Ouano guaranteed that all qualified households will get their Noche Buena Packs before the New Year.
