With thousands of plastic bottles and other recyclable materials pitched in by residents to make the giant Christmas Tree that is now illuminating the town hall, the municipal government of Binangonan aims to win again in the provincial government’s competition for the best recycled holiday tree.
During the lighting ceremony held recently which was attended by Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares-Chiongbian, Binangonan Mayor Cesar Ynares underscored the importance of recycling even in Christmas decorations as the pro-environment initiative will benefit everybody particularly the future generations.
Binangonan Municipal Administrator Russel Ynares told Manila Bulletin that the holiday tree is made up of more than 2,000 plastic water bottles and hundreds of election tarpaulins and other recyclable materials.
Administrator Ynares said the town aims for its sixth win this year for its 2022 version of the giant Christmas Tree, which also symbolizes unity and hope for the residents who have faced a number of challenges due to the pandemic.
Among the groups that contributed their recycled materials for the holiday tree were the Barkadahan ng mga Kababaihan sa Binangonan (BKB) led by Dr. Rose Martha Callanta Ynares, wife of the incumbent mayor.
Dr. Ynares said the members of the BKB volunteered to cut the plastic bottles and tarpaulins into small pieces and turned them into ribbons that now adorn the Christmas Tree.
The annual contest is part of the Ynares Ecosystem (YES) To Green Program, a flagship project of former Governor Rebecca "Nini" Ynares and now being continued by her daughter, Gov. Nina Ynares.
Administrator Ynares said visitors are welcome to witness the lighted Christmas Tree every night beside the municipal building.
Since 2016, Binangonan has been the overall winner in the pro-environment Christmas decoration contest of the provincial government besting other municipalities in the province.