THE local government of Baguio City is now preparing to distribute food packs to the poorest of the poor and to individuals who may have lost their jobs due to the effects of the coronavirus disease (Covid–19).

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong explained at present, tons of materials for food packs are now being readied for distribution to families listed by the barangay and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) categorized as poorest of the poor.

“We cannot sustain the food packs if this will be given to all the residents of Baguio City which is why we have a list in which we will start from the poorest of the poor. Another support that we will be providing are for those who have lost their jobs because of Covid-19, there is an assistance that will come from the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole),” Magalong said.

Aside from coordination with Dole and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), other agencies have also arranged their support in relation to the negative effects brought about by the pandemic disease.

“We are currently ongoing with the distribution at the City Engineers office for the different barangays and we have to sustain this and I would like to thank the different individuals and entities who continuously provide and give donations aside from what the local government funds and buys,” the mayor stated.

Magalong earlier said this first week is very critical due to the release of tests made by the health department while next week likewise be as critical since families are expected to be hungry.

“We have to make sure that we need to attend to their needs and this is our priority at the moment. We are always looking at our priorities on a daily basis and we have to be proactive and strategic about it,” Magalong added.

The chief executive believes the effects of Covid-19 in the city may last for two to three months based on the experiences of other countries to which the local government continues to look for ways to allay or reduce its effect to residents.