Setting up a Christmas celebration can be an exciting time with lots of things to think about. We consider the food, music, and venues, but we probably don’t spend a huge amount of time thinking about waste, even though we should.
Holidays are indeed a time of joy and celebration, but celebration also means waste. From wrapping paper and gift bags to discarded food and broken decorations, the holiday season can generate a significant amount of trash.
The Hogwarts School of Magic comes alive in the Christmas display made of recyclable materials through the skillfull hands of Brgy. Loyola Heights residents. (Photo courtesy of LGU Sulat)
Sulat’s Project EC0-Waste Warriors Festival of Lights
In the small town of Sulat, Eastern Samar, however, the local government unit initiated a waste management project just in time for the holiday season.
The project EC0 (Environment Conservation and 0-waste) Warriors Festival of Lights, a first of its kind in the history of the municipality, was benchmarked in 2022 with the aim of creating awareness on the importance of recycling, waste segregation, waste reduction, its impact on the environment, and the proper management of solid waste.
Last year, the municipal plaza and streets of Sulat glowed and flickered with lighted global tourist destinations such as the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Eiffel Tower, and the London Bridge, among others, all made from recyclable materials.
“The worsening problem of solid waste is a global issue, and it needs to be addressed immediately. And in addressing this issue, it needs a collaborative effort from different sectors as well as strong cooperation from the community,” said Annaviv Z. Limbo, Sulat Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO), in a statement.
“Like other municipalities, waste management has been a major concern of our office, and despite our financial limitations in implementing our environmental programs, we are a strong advocate for promoting a healthy environment,” Limbo added.
The MENRO designate further shared that the success of the Eco Warrior Festival of Lights in December 2022, which showcased replicas of different world wonders and landmarks using recyclable materials enhanced by colorful lights, inspired them to institutionalize the activity as a yearly event.
The activity is participated in by the 18 barangays of Sulat, challenging them to use recyclable and indigenous materials and colorful lights in crafting their light display in accordance with the theme.
Aside from the decorative lights, a Christmas bazaar is also put up to keep up the hype of the festival.
‘Bahay Kubo’ of Brgy. Sto. Niño was the winning entry from last year’s EC0 Warrior of Lights. (Photo courtesy of LGU Sulat)
Children’s Movie Land comes alive
This year, the ECO Warrior Festival of Lights celebrates Christmas with a variety of lights and colors in magnificent productions of famous movie and cartoon characters through unique and extraordinary artistic interpretations of the setting and characters using recyclable materials.
“The Festival of Lights symbolizes creativity, art, and inspiration and is one of the highlights of Sulat Christmas. There will also be a food bazaar open to quench thirst and hunger,” noted Sulat Mayor Javier Zacate, highlighting that the nightly activity will also attract local tourists to visit the municipality.
“We also want a special focus on upscaling recyclable materials and valuing their uniqueness because these values are the basis for all people to live together and reduce carbon footprints,” the mayor added.
Launched on December 15, lighted movieland and cartoon characters such as Avatar, Harry Potter, Little Mermaid, Star Wars, Finding Nemo, Transformers, and more are now on display at the town’s plaza and streets from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m.
The animated movies Avatar and Transformers were made out of recyclable materials by the residents of barangays Kandalakit and Maramara. (Photo courtesy of LGU Sulat)
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency, a local tourist from the nearby town of San Julian expressed appreciation for the colorful display of lights.
“Mag-upay talaga kulawan, nag-enjoy talaga an mga kabataan, kinadi ma dama kami last year (The kids really enjoyed the Christmas displays; we’re actually here for this last year),” shared Carmela.
Meanwhile, Mayor Javier E. Zacate noted that the festival will always be free of charge for visitors every year.
“We are looking forward to inviting guests from all over to experience fascinating light art free of charge,” Mayor Zacate emphasized.
He further acknowledged the festival team for the success of the unique cultural highlight, which will possibly increase the economic break for Sulat.
“My appreciation goes to all those who have been committed to the success of this unusual event, especially the event team coordinators, as well as the participating barangay. I wish all visitors will have unforgettable impressions of the 2nd Festival of Lights,” the mayor said.
“This year, we’re not just celebrating the festive spirit, we’re also creating awareness about proper solid waste management. Every enchanting display and fairy-tale setting tells a story of sustainability and creativity, showing us the magic we can create with eco-friendly practices,” Mayor Zacate added.
For this year’s EC0 Warriors Festival of Lights, the winning barangays will receive P200,000, P150,000, and P100,000 for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes, respectively. (LDL/VTG/PIA Eastern Samar)
Sulatnons and local tourists flocked to the Christmas display last year to have a photo opportunity with the Christmas displays. (Photo courtesy of Ton-ton Colico Lubat)
