After QC, Valenzuela also cancels city hall Christmas parties
MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Valenzuela has ordered the cancellation of all city hall Christmas parties following Quezon City’s directive to city government employees last Sept. 29.
In a text message to Inquirer.net, the Valenzuela City Public Information Office has confirmed that Mayor Rex Gatchalian banned the holding of Christmas parties to comply with the government’s order to restrict mass gatherings amid the community quarantine now being enforced.
“Yes. These are Christmas parties within the City Hall. In compliance with IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases) directive prohibiting social gatherings,” read the text message when sought for confirmation if Valenzuela will ban Christmas parties amid the pandemic.
Metro Manila Council chairman and Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez previously said the mayors of Metro Manila are planning to cancel Christmas parties for not being priority activities especially now that many are still bearing the brunt of the health crisis.
In Quezon City, Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered city hall employees to instead donate their Christmas party funds to indigents and other poor families who are now being affected by the pandemic.
