SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — In La Union, the Balaoan town’s holiday season has officially started with the lighting of its Christmas tree at the town plaza on December 1.
With the theme “Aksyon ken Raniag 2023,” it aims to sustain La Union’s commitment to environmental responsibility through the program Kalikasan Naman.
The Christmas tree, which was decked out with lights, colorful ornaments made out of recycled plastic materials, and glittering tinsels, was lighted up in a ceremony attended by municipal officials spearheaded by Mayor Aleli Concepcion.
Concepcion hopes that the local government’s showcasing of the creative potential of recyclable materials may inspire constituents to make conscious choices in their daily lives.
Moreover, she said the tree symbolizes hope and resiliency for its constituents, especially at a time when the town is battling natural disasters and challenges.
Residents of the municipality of Balaoan, La Union collated to witness the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas Village on December 1. (KJCR Photo)
“It was exactly a year ago when we held our first-ever Christmas Lighting Ceremony dito sa Balaoan after two years dahil sa COVID-19. It is our hope that this year magiging proud at matutuwa po kayong lahat sa bagong anyo ng ating Christmas Village,” Concepcion said.
In 2022, Balaoan bagged the top prize for the Best Christmas Village contest organized by the Provincial Government of La Union. The cash prize amounting to P1 million was used in the preparation of the town’s Christmas village this year.
“May premyo po tayong 1 million pesos na siyang ginamit natin primarily sa pagpapaganda at pagbibigay ng bagong anyo sa ating Christmas Village ngayong taon,” said Concepcion.
Further, the local government urged the residents to reduce waste, conserve resources, and contribute to a healthier planet for the future generation. The Christmas Lighting Ceremony coincided with the opening of the town’s annual fiesta. (JCR/MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)
