No discrimination in food rations

Whether they live in a condominium or a Tondominium, give it to them

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso said the city government’s Food Security Program covers all residents, whether rich, poor or middle class.

“Everyone is affected by the pandemic. So, everyone should be given help,” Mayor Domagoso said.

Should a resident not receive the local government’s food boxes, which is given out monthly, the mayor said they should go to their barangay officials and inquire.

He likewise called on barangay authorities not to keep the food boxes in barangay halls a second longer, but instead distribute them at once the moment these are delivered to them.

“Don’t wait until we send the police just because you’ve kept the food boxes in the barangay hall for two to three days. Voter or not, give it to them. This is not an election. It comes from the people’s money,” Domagoso stressed.

“Whether they live in a condominium or a Tondominium, give it to them. Just because their house is made of stone, that doesn’t mean they are exempted from the ration. We do not make a choice. We will welcome everyone,” he added.

For the fifth day in a row yesterday, the city government continued delivering food boxes for the month of April. As of Saturday, the total number of distributed boxes has already reached 250,000 families.

It was learned that those behind the delivery of food aid also work on weekends to cover more barangays.

Based on the policy he had drafted, the mayor said the number of food boxes the local government is distributing is based on the number of families living in the city, which is about 700,000 in all, regardless of status in life, and not based on the number of houses. He noted that sometimes, four or five families live in a single structure.

In the case of those who live in concrete houses, the mayor said they also deserve government’s attention to make them feel their taxes are being put to good use.

“In our case before, squatters’ homes were stacked one on top of each other but only in one building. Sometimes, four or five families live there. Make the rich feel where their taxes are going. They do not need to ask for it. Don’t pre-judge them, because everyone needs help right now,” Domagoso added.

Likewise, the Manila Social Welfare Department, led by Re Fugoso, continued distributing the P4,000 cash aid per recipient under the national government’s social amelioration program.

Fugoso personally made the rounds to ensure the distribution of financial assistance was carried out simultaneously in an orderly manner in various areas in the city while still observing minimum health protocols.