Lapu-Lapu lights up 30-foot ‘tree of hope’

CEBU, Philippines — The Lapu-Lapu City government officially marked the beginning of the Yuletide season by lighting up its

30-foot blue and silver Christmas tree adorned with 500 parols made by the city inmates.

Mayor Junard Chan said the number of parols also represent the quincentennial commemoration of the “Victory at Mactan.”

Chan led the lighting ceremony on Tuesday together with his wife, Cindi, and other city officials.

“Today (Tuesday) is December 1, as we usher in Christmas, let us join in prayers, as one Oponganon people for a better tomorrow, and for a better Lapu-Lapu, in God’s grace, we will heal as one.”

“Lighting this tree is timely because it marks the Yuletide season and relevant because it gives us a glimmer of hope amidst this pandemic,” the mayor said in his speech.

With the theme “Pasko sa Lapu-Lapu, Puno sa Paglaum,” he said it could be translated into tree or full of hope.

“Giving hope to our jail inmates by giving them a second chance in life. Hope for the tourism industry to bounce back. Hope for a COVID-free Lapu-Lapu. Hope for a prosperous life for every Oponganon and hope for a peaceful Lapu-Lapu,” he said.

Also, over 200 lanterns put up along city’s major roads were lighted.

The lanterns will stay until April of next year in time for the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan. — KQD (FREEMAN)