BY JEN BAYLON
ILOILO City – Hundreds of rainbow Christmas parols in this city were switched on Friday night, Nov. 17.
Lanterns that highlight Ilonggo creativity, crafted by 20 participating barangays in the city, were also unveiled. Their parols will be displayed in Casa Emperador from Nov. 17 to Jan. 1.
The ceremonial lighting, “Parol sang mga Ilonggo: A Parol Lighting Ceremony and Parol Making Contest,” held in Mandurriao district was spearheaded by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Iloilo Chapter (PCCI-Iloilo) and the city government in collaboration with Festive Walk Lifestyle Mall and Megaworld Regional RFO.
PCCI-Iloilo had set a target of installing 2,000 parols along the main roads of the city and neighboring towns.
The parols were skillfully crafted by persons deprived of liberty (PDL) from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Barangay Ungka, Jaro district, to provide livelihood opportunities for the PDLs.
“First, let me congratulate PCCI-Iloilo, headed by its chairperson, Dr. Sandra Sarabia, and president, Engr. Fulbert Woo, for consistently leading this yearly undertaking,” said Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.
He also thanked the local government of Pavia, which welcomed the project to adorn the national highway passing by the town and leading to the Iloilo Airport.
“This development is a manifestation of a stronger collaboration as we aim to bring joy and hope in this season of love, faith and thanksgiving,” the city mayor added. “I am happy and grateful as we have come together again for this meaningful project — the Ilonggo Rainbow Christmas Parol, formerly called the Ilonggo Christmas Parol of Hope.”
According to Woo, the new seven-point lanterns, each wrapped in different hues of the rainbow, signify a brighter and more colorful Christmas celebration for the Ilonggos./PN
