TABUK CITY, Kalinga (PIA) — High school students made the Yuletide celebration brighter and more colorful as they competed in the second Inter-school Lantern Parade on Tuesday(Dec.17, 2024) in Dagupan Centro, Tabuk City.
Organized by various offices of the Tabuk City government, the event revolved around the theme “Illuminating Culture and Community”, and aimed to showcase the talents of the students as well as promote the city’s traditions and cultural heritage.
“We are promoting ‘yung spirit of unity, spirit of cooperation among our high schools, and bringing out the best in our students through ‘yung promotion, of course, of our culture with their steps, with their different dances. We are promoting the culture of Tabukeños through the lantern parade,” said Loyda Saboy, the city’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) head and Inter-school Lantern Parade Committee chairperson.
Eight private and public schools competed namely; Kalinga State University Laboratory High School, Tabuk City National High School, St. Theresita’s School-Tabuk, Bulo National High School, Balong National High School, New Tanglag National High School, Kalinga National High School, and St. Tonis College Inc.
The competing schools displayed their creativity as they showcased small lanterns and big lanterns made of eco-friendly and indigenous materials, and incorporated designs inspired by Tabuk’s local culture.
After the parade, the contestants put on performances centering on narratives about the city’s culture and the essence of Christmas at the grounds of the Tabuk City National High School.
Tabuk City residents of all ages enjoyed the show, saying it has made Christmas in the city more exciting and joyous.
“Nag-enjoy kami kasi family bonding met lang ti kakastuy nga events. Sana agtultuloy pay ta nagmayat agbuybuya ti kakastuy,” said resident Samela Gonzales-Ladrido who watched the event with her family.
“Nag-enjoy nak and na-excite. Adda nak dituy tapnu suportaran daytuy school mi. Imbag lang ta adda ti kastuy nga lantern parade,” student Samantha Danao said.
The Tabuk City National High School bagged the first place in the competition with a cash prize of P50,000. New Tanglag NHS came in second bagging a cash prize of P40,000 while Kalinga State University Laboratory High School took third place to take home a P30,000 cash prize.
The rest of the participants will receive P25,000 each.
The lantern parade was organized by the City PESO together with the Office of the City Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Affairs; City Environment and Natural Resources Office; General Services Office; Public Order and Safety Office; and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. (JDP/IOS-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
