The municipal government here has started the Noche Buena packages distribution to around 42,000 households from its 77 villages under its annual Pamaskong Handog project.

In an interview Wednesday, municipal administrative officer Rafael Saygo said the number might still increase as there are still families being added to the list.

“Let me just emphasize that the funds for this did not come from the municipal government but from the foundation of our Mayor and the Agricultural Infrastructure and Leasing Corp (AILC),” he said.

The Noche Buena package includes a set for spaghetti dish, two canned corned beef, around two kilos of rice, noodles for pancit dish, a pack of sugar, milk powder and coffee powder.

Mayor Mary Clare Judith Phyllis Jose Quiambao, in a video message shown during the opening of the Christmas display at the town last Saturday, said distribution of the Christmas Eve package is one way to ensure that all the families in the town will have something to cook on Christmas eve, especially since the province has been battered by several weather disturbances in recent weeks.

“Ang hangarin nito ay simple lang, na wala ng mag-iisip ng paghahanda dahil ang pasko ay para sa ating pamilya (The goal of this is simple, that no family should be bothered by what to prepare since Christmas is for our family),” she said.

The annual provision of Noche Buena package in the town started in 2016.

Last year, around 31,539 households benefited from the project.

Meanwhile, the Star Wars inspired Christmas display in the town was opened to the public last Nov. 23.

The entrance to the Christmas attraction is free.

AILC president Dr. Cezar Quiambao, the sponsor of the Christmas attraction together with the Jose-Quiambao family, said they wanted the people to enjoy the Yuletide season amid the challenges due to the weather disturbances.

A trade fair was also set up to feature products of local businesses in the town.

The town showcased Studio Ghibli inspired Christmas attraction last year. (PNA)