City Government of Malaybalay gave noche buena gift boxes to 27,270 less privileged families in all 46 barangays of the City that started last December 1, 2017 dubbed “Pamaskong Handog” program.

The tradition of gift-giving dates back in 2010 under the administration of Mayor Ignacio W. Zubiri.

City Officials then handed the goods in a two-week activity where they meet-and-greet families in different communities of the City – a simple gifts to share in celebration of the yuletide season.

Earlier this month, Mayor Zubiri thanked the City Council for approving a P15 million budget for this program noting that this time of the year is the “month of Love.”

Mayor Zubiri said during the Pasko Festival kickoff that it started with an P8 million allocation since its launching eight years ago and then it increased to 10 and 12 respectively, in hopes to extend these gifts to additional qualified beneficiaries.

As compared to last year, there is an increase of 20 percent, with a total recipients of 21,818.