ILOILO – After two years of hiatus, the provincial government will bring back colorful Christmas lighting at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol complex, but this time with a twist.
Multi-color laser lights will be used to illuminate the capitol building and grounds, Casa Real, and all the other structures in the compound.
General Services Office (GSO) head Alma Ravena announced yesterday that the illumination of the capitol complex, or the “Kasanag sa Paskwa sa Kapitolyo”, will start on Dec. 1, 2022 at 6 p.m.
Before the opening of lights, the Iloilo provincial government employees will have a Lantern Parade to be facilitated by the Association of Iloilo Provincial Government Employees (AIPGE), Ravena said.
She also said employees will be wearing lighted headdresses and may bring colorful props for the parade. Divided into five clusters, each will have a huge lantern that will serve as their group’s banner.
The Lantern Parade will take the following route: Iloilo Provincial Capitol to Drilon Bridge to Esplanade 9 (Muelle Deli) to Muelle Loney Bridge to Esplanade 8 (fronting LRA) to Carpark Building to Bonifacio Drive sidewalk to Iloilo Provincial Capitol main gate.
After the parade, Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr. and other provincial officials will lead the opening of lights.
Ravena added that they have coordinated with the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (LEDIP) Office to invite food kiosks at the capitol complex to cater to visitors every night.
“We hope to bring back the joyous celebration of Christmas at the Capitol this year,” she said.
It has been a tradition of the Iloilo provincial government to light up the capitol building and grounds during Christmas season and it has become one of the holiday attractions in the city. (With a report from Iloilo Provincial Capitol PIO)/PN
