The city government here marked the start of the holiday season with the lighting of its community Christmas Tree on Nov. 27 at Quezon Park.
The towering Christmas Tree is decorated with Christmas lights, gigantic glowing Christmas balls, and dove-shaped cut-outs to symbolize peace in the Philippines as its color was patterned after the Philippine Flag.
Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Remollo led the light-up ceremony of the community Christmas Tree along with other city officials, guests, and residents who were also at Quezon Park during its lighting.
In his message, Remollo highlighted the milestones garnered by the city over the past 10 months and thanked all government workers, civic-minded organizations, and residents for their contribution to the city’s achievements.
“I’m satisfied with the fact that we have survived the Covid (pandemic), we are spared from major calamities, and we still maintain peace and order in the city,” the mayor said in a media interview after the light-up ceremony.
He also announced that the city government has lined up activities to make the celebration of Christmas season in the city more lively, such as singing contests and public concerts at the Pantawan area of the Boulevard.
Remollo also assured that the city government will push through with its gift giving to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other sectors in need while employees of the city hall will also receive benefits this Christmas.
Apart from the usual giving of Christmas message, the Community Christmas Tree Light Up Ceremony also featured performances from local talents namely The Dumaguete Quartet, Rain Shally Enero, and the Silliman University Campus Choristers.
The ceremonial lighting also culminates the city’s observance of it 74th Charter Anniversary.
