LUNA, La Union — The festive spirit of Christmas has descended upon the picturesque town of Luna, bringing not only joy to its residents but also a noticeable boost to its local economy.
This year, Luna has gone all out with its holiday preparations, hosting grand events, markets, and performances that have drawn visitors from nearby towns and provinces, significantly benefiting local businesses and entrepreneurs.
The highlight of the celebrations is the “Paskuhan sa Luna,” a month-long festival that kicked off with a spectacular Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the town plaza.
The event featured a display of lights, live choir performances, and a fireworks show that left the audience in awe.
The towering Christmas tree with eco-friendly ornaments made by local artisans has become a popular spot for family photos and social media posts, further promoting the town.
Alongside the lighting ceremony, tourism-related businesses are also thriving.
Eateries, art galleries, and native delicacy shops have seen increased sales due to the influx of tourists.
Leonora Gagtan of Orang’s Bibingka says the Christmas season, especially during Simbang Gabi, greatly boosts her business.
“The festive spirit and the community gathering after mass create the perfect opportunity for us to share our handcrafted delicacies, which hold a special place in our culture, especially for us, Ilocanos, during this time of year,” Gagtan stated.
The local government has also organized an outreach program dubbed “Operation Big Heart,” offering free social and medical services for far barangays of the town to secure the constituents health care.
The Children’s Community Day is also held as a birthday celebration for seven-year-old youths in the municipality.
Mayor Gary Pinzon emphasized the dual purpose of the holiday activities.
“This celebration is more than just about the lights and festivities. It’s about creating opportunities for our people, showcasing our culture, and inviting visitors to experience the charm of Luna. The economic boost from these events allows our community to grow and thrive,” he said.
Aligned with its commitment to sustainability, the town has incorporated eco-friendly practices into the festivities.
Decorations are made from recycled materials, and waste management stations have been set up across the town to encourage proper disposal and recycling.
As Christmas approaches, the festive atmosphere in Luna continues to brighten the town’s spirit while leaving a lasting economic impact.
With the community’s creativity and unity, Luna is proving that the joy of the season can be a powerful force for growth and prosperity. (AMB/KJCR/PIA La Union)
