Miniature Bethlehem adorns Cagayan

TUGUEGARAO CITY: A giant Christmas tree, a miniature Bethlehem, a holiday park and other decorations adorned the Cagayan capitol grounds as local leaders formally lit the village on December 1 at 6:30 p.m. here.

The capitol village’s lighting ceremonies also jibed with the formal opening of lights at the different provincial government office buildings and the lanterns and other decorations at the municipal Rizal Park, provincial library, visitors pavilion, district hospitals, and town plaza.

More than 2,000 residents attended the event that marked the “Paskong Cagayano” Christmas village’s opening which will run until December 31.

Mabel Leaño, a Christmas lighting watcher, told The Manila Times that the “eye-catching and colorful holiday lights give us a respite from the pandemic woes.”

The lights symbolize hope and family togetherness, Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba said. “We are a family. The birth of Christ is the completion of a family, and that is why I always say that we are a family here at the provincial government, in our homes, in our offices, and everywhere.”

“Every Cagayano is a part of the development of the province. The sacrifices and hard work of the provincial government officials and workers would benefit the future generations,” he added.

Mamba said the holiday feast is a part of the process to inculcate into the minds of the people their “responsibility” to help nurture the next generation.

Lawyer Mabel Villarica-Mamba, committee chairman engaged in the “Paskong Cagayano” celebration, said the Christmas design, planning and hatching of concepts were “carefully crafted” to symbolize the province’s heritage.

The Christmas lighting was also highlighted with a musical extravaganza presented by the 5th Infantry Division band members and Cagayan singing and dancing groups in the province. A symphony of lights marked the event prior to the actual lighting and a fireworks display ended the opening rites.