MANILA, Philippines — Over P66.4 million worth of Christmas gifts have been cleared for
distribution to Quezon City’s indigent families after the local council authorized Mayor Herbert Bautista to enter into a contract with private firms to make the city’s yearly Yuletide offering possible.
The Quezon City council confirmed on third and final reading during Friday’s special session the resolution allowing Bautista to ink a deal with and buy from private companies P66,468,750 worth of goods for distribution to poor families in the city.
Initially the council’s authorization for the P66.4 million purchase was sought by the office of the city mayor to enable the annual “Pamaskong Handog” or Christmas gift-giving activity to push through this year.
The councilors noted that there was an approved budget contract available for the project.
Once the goods are purchased, they will be distributed to indigent families through the local social services development department.
The council resolved further that a copy of their resolution be furnished to the city budget and accounting departments, the Commission on Audit field office in Quezon City; and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.