Villar honors winners of 15th Las Piñas Parol Festival

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Cynthia Villar yesterday conferred awards on the winners of Las Piñas City’s annual parol-making competition as part of her commitment to support the city’s lantern industry amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I commend all our participants who, despite the challenging circumstances brought about by COVID-19, have continued to pursue their passion in creating unique and environment-friendly parols that make Las Piñas lanterns stand out among the rest,” Villar said.

“I am truly proud that we have once again risen up to the challenge of honoring our annual tradition and spread holiday cheer and hope this season,” she added.

Villar led the virtual awarding ceremonies at the Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) Hall. The winners of this year’s competition are: grand prize winner Bryan Flores, who received P20,000; first runner-up Glecy dela Cruz, P15,000, and second runner-up Fercival Santos, P10,000.

The competition is part of Villar’s advocacy to promote garbage recycling and efficient solid waste management. Entries from the Samahang Magpaparol ng Las Piñas used recyclable materials such as shampoo sachets, soap cartons, straws, PET bottles, cans, used CDs and cardboard boxes as well as organic items like clam and mussel shells.