Panamanian Government Subsidizes Christmas Baskets

The Panamanian government is subsidizing 55% of the Christmas basket's price so that citizens pay less than half for these items. The Christmas basket, consisting of 1 picnic ham with bone, 10 pounds of rice, 1 pound of sugar, 1 pound of salt, and 1 can of gandules, will cost $15 and will be distributed in both permanent stores and temporary fairs. According to President José Raúl Mulino, this is being done to ensure that all Panamanians have good food at a good price on their tables during this beautiful and special end-of-year celebration. The Institute of Agricultural Marketing (IMA) announced that from this Tuesday, December 2nd, to the following Friday, December 19th, Christmas baskets will be sold nationwide to meet the population's demand, which is expected to be higher than last year. IMA Director Nilo Murillo detailed that 30,000 national hams were acquired and 200,000 were imported for a total of 500,000 pieces that will be distributed over the next three weeks. Furthermore, they reiterated that only one box per family will be sold to give all attendees the opportunity to purchase the product. To expedite the logistics of the event, the IMA reminds the public to bring cash, reusable bags, and their national ID (cédula), as driver's licenses and residency permits will not be accepted to verify the buyer's address. The institution also informed that due to the personnel shortage caused by the Christmas fairs, special hours will be implemented in its permanent stores. Distribution will take place at various locations across the country: Merca La Chorrera (Panamá Oeste) on December 2, 3, 4, and 5; IMA Agency (Bocas del Toro) on December 4; Bingos Nacionales on December 2, 3, and 5; Frigorífico - San Antonio on December 2, 3, 4, and 5; Silos - Pan de Azúcar on December 2, 3, 4, and 5; and Merca Chitré (Herrera) on December 5. All other stores will remain closed on the aforementioned dates.