Zambusurians flocked the provincial government center during the opening ceremony of the lighted Christmas decorations dubbed "Christmas in Zamboanga del Sur" on December 9 in barangay Dao here.

Universal Studio, Disneyland Characters

Twenty (20) entries from provincial government departments, national government agencies, and business establishments put up structures depicting Universal Studio and Disney Land Characters.

Bernarda Quirante, chairperson of the steering committee said that 'Christmas in Zamboanga del Sur' was organized by Governor Victor Yu to provide entertainment to the residents of the province especially for the celebration of Christmas this year.

Quirante added that of the 20 clusters: ten (10) of them are tasked to build floats, and the other ten (10) will build booths or houses.

"In Christmas in Zamboanga del Sur, we aim to invite the attention of our people to come to the provincial gov't center with their families during the night to witness the beauty of the illuminated Christmas decorations. They don't need to go to far away places. Here in our province, we can see the beautiful lighted Christmas decorations," Quirante happily announced.

PDAO built a Lego House

Miriram Llanos, the head of the Provincial Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) said that their office with partners from national government agencies are trying to build a Lego House to provide entertainment for the children to visit and so that they can feel the true spirit of Christmas after we have sadly experienced restrictions for nearly 3 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I encourage ZamboSurians to bring their families to the provincial government center every night because there are lighted Christmas decorations that will bring you joy," Llanos said.

ZamboSurian thanked the provincial gov't

Paul Tindoc, one of the many people who witnessed the official lighting of Christmas decorations inside the provincial government center was thankful to the provincial government for the initiative.

"I thank the provincial gov't for doing this project every December because it helped us not to spend money to go to a distant place like Tangub City. The most beautiful lighted Christmas decorations are here already in our province," Tindoc said.

Grandest Parade

At the opening of the program in Unity Park, families and children had a lot of fun watching the largest parade of Disney and Universal Studio floats and the booths/houses built in the area that accurately depict the colorful and creative entries made by employees.

The spectators also witnessed the children's dance performance and the musical entertainment of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, which is already very famous and one of the most awarded choral groups in the world.

The enthusiastic crowd cheered loudly during the much awaited fireworks display that lasted for almost 10 minutes. The most spectacular fireworks display served as the front act for the night's climax which was the lighting up of the 20 cluster entries.

The judging of the entries are slated on following schedule: first judging-Dec. 9, second- Dec. 22, and third- Dec. 31, 2022. (RVC/GCC/PIA - Zamboanga del Sur/20221210)