Makati begins early distribution of Christmas gift bags amid inflation

(FILE) Makati Mayor Abby Binay. PHOTO from Abby Binay Facebook

MANILA, Philippines — In light of rising food prices due to inflation, the local government of Makati already began the distribution of free Christmas gift bags containing Noche Buena food products.

Makati mayor Abby Binay on Thursday said the food pack distribution began on November 2, which is earlier than expected, since the distribution usually begins during the first week of December.

“In light of the rising prices of goods, this is our way of helping Makati’s families enjoy a merrier Christmas this year,” Binay said in a statement.

“These bags that contain assorted food products for Noche Buena have become a much-anticipated tradition for Proud Makatizens,” she also said.

Each bag contains two cans of Spam luncheon meat, two cans of Libby’s Vienna sausage, two cans of Argentina corned beef, one pack of spaghetti pasta with sauce, one can of fruit cocktail, one can of condensed milk, one can of cream, one box of cheese, and 2 Makatizen T-shirts.

The distribution of Christmas bags will run until December 31, 2022.

Binay said around 240,000 local residents will receive the free gifts.

As of November 8, the local government said it has distributed 6,298 Christmas bags to senior citizens.

The Philippine Statistics Authority said the country’s inflation accelerated to its fastest pace in nearly 14 years in October at 7.7 percent, the fastest rise since December 2008.

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