Manila Kicks Off “12 Days of Christmas” Gift Distribution for Residents.

Manila: Manila residents will start receiving their Christmas gifts on the first day of December, as the country's capital city kicks off its annual "12 Days of Christmas" on Sunday. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said they will give away 650,000 boxes of noche buena food items to poor households until Dec. 12. According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative was announced during the lighting of the city's Christmas tree at Kartilya ng Katipunan grounds near the city hall on Friday night. Mayor Lacuna explained that this year's festivities will involve distributing Christmas boxes across the six districts of Manila, ensuring that families have something to share on Christmas Eve. The lighting ceremony also featured decorative lights and lanterns at key locations such as the Pasig River Esplanade, Rizal Park, Intramuros, National Museum, Metropolitan Theater, and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. These decorations aim to enhance the holiday spirit across the city. Following the initial 12 days of gift-giving, tw o additional days will focus on distributing 176,000 Christmas boxes to senior citizens on December 13 and 14. Mayor Lacuna expressed hope that the holiday decorations would spread cheer and inspire acts of kindness, particularly in the wake of recent calamities affecting areas like Isla Puting Bato and Vitas. In light of these disasters, Lacuna called for compassion and assistance for those affected by fires and floods. She announced that a donations drop-off center is operational at the Kartilya ng Katipunan, where people can contribute relief goods and gifts for those in need. Donations are accepted Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.