CAN-AVID, Eastern Samar – Despite bearing the brunt of tropical cyclones and reeling from the effects of the pandemic, this town held the 5th Lamrag Giant Lantern Festival on Friday, Dec. 10.
Hundreds of residents and people from nearby municipalities lined the streets leading to the town plaza amid the occasional rains from a low-pressure area to witness the lighting of the giant lanterns to kick off the Christmas celebration here.
Municipal Mayor Vilma Germino said each of the 28 barangays showcased their giant lanterns made from recyclable materials such as plastic cups, spoons, and bottles to promote solid waste management.
The local government unit, which also aims to promote this town's tourism, has been organizing the first and biggest lantern festival in Eastern Visayas for five years since 2017.
The annual tradition was halted due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
However, the Germino administration pushed to have the festival this year as a way of sustaining the gains initiated by her predecessor, the late former Mayor Gil Norman Germino.
"These giant lanterns just like the Three Kings who were guided to Jesus by the stars, will serve us as our guide towards development," she said.
The lady mayor said that this year's winning and participating barangays will receive over P2-million worth of cash and projects.
Winners will be announced on Dec. 29 while the exhibit will run until the Feast of the Epiphany on Jan. 6.