Navotas lights up giant Christmas tree, opens bazaar
By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
Navotas City Mayor John Reynald “John Rey” Tiangco led the city's annual Chrismas tree lighting ceremony and Christmas Bazaar opening at Navotas Citywalk and Ampitheater in Brgy. Bagumbayan North (BBN) on Monday, Nov. 21.
"Dahil palapit na po ang Pasko, request lang po natin syempre suportahan ang bawat isa. Napakaraming pong mga tinda dito. Kaya kung mamimili rin po tayo ng mga regalo, gawang Navotas na po, gawang Pilipino na po para masuportahan po natin ang ang mga small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) natin (Since Christmas is coming, we request of course to support each other. There are so many shops here. So if we will buy gifts, buy Navotas products, Filipino products so that we can also support our SMEs)," Tiangco said.
The city government said the Christmas Bazaar features 36 Navoteño small business owners and will be open daily until Dec. 22, from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Jane Rillon, Navotas Hanapbuhay Center program director, said the 36 small and medium entrepreneurs were selected through a Facebook live raffle draw last Nov. 15 and 18.
"Sa dami po talaga ng gustong kumita at magnegosyo, sila po ‘yung ating napagbigyan na mag-showcase ng kanilang produkto. Kaya inaanyayahan ko po ang lahat mula ngayong gabi hanggang Dec. 22 sana po ay suportahan po natin ang ating maliliit na negosyante (Of the many entrepreneurs who really want to earn money and do business, 36 entrepreneurs were allowed to showcase their products. So, I invite everyone that starting tonight until Dec. 22 to support our small businessmen)," she said.
The city government also recognized some barangays for "Best Barangay Decorations."
The "Best Barangay Decorations" awards were given to barangays that have successfully presented their Christmas decorations through their concept, overall appearance, and craftmanship.
Brgy. San Roque earned the Best Barangay Decoration title and the cash prize worth P30,000.
Brgy. San Jose got the second place with P20,000 cash prize, while Brgy. North Bay Boulevard North (NBBN) placed third and received a cash prize worth P10,000.
Aside from the Christmas Tree lighting, a fireworks display was held.
Navotas scholars for dance and music also entertained the audience through song and dance performances.
The city government also lit the Christmas decorations in the city's streets and barangay halls.