Free bags of rice handed out to residents struggling from Covid-19 downturn in the Philippines
Free bags of rice handed out to residents struggling from Covid-19 downturn in the Philippines

Town hall officials in the Philippines handed out sacks of free rice to residents struggling from the economic impact of the coronavirus.

Footage shows the bags being placed on plastic chairs in front of each house to allow contactless distribution of relief goods and avoid adding to the COVID-19 pandemic cases.

A white truck travelled through streets while staff carried the 25kg bags to locals in Olangapo City on May 2.

Lockdown measures and curfews intended to stop the spread of infections have affected many residents who rely on earnings day-to-day.

Bruce Lee Strong, 46, the one who captured the video, said: ''This food will be a big help to every household here in our district.

We want to salute all the town officials who are working hard to help their constituents.'' The Philippines, one of the countries in Southeast Asia worst hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, has recorded 9,485 cases and 623 deaths as of May 5.