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Philippines

Electric car powers Christmas tree in Ormoc

Philippines

Electric car powers Christmas tree in Ormoc

By Marie Tonette Marticio

ORMOC CITY – In a bid to become a smart city, a 50-foot Christmas tree adorned with calachuchi flowers and butterflies and powered by a car highlighted the year-end kick-off giant tree lighting ceremony here on Sunday, Dec. 11.

NISSAN Philippines Inc. president Juan Manuel Hoyos poses with the Nissan Leaf that supplied electricity to the giant Christmas tree during the lighting ceremony in Ormoc City on Sunday, Dec. 11. (Photo via Marie Marticio)

"For us to become a smart city, we have to be technology driven. The Nissan Leaf cars were used to charge cellphones and gadgets in Southern Leyte during the aftermath of typhoon 'Odette' last year," city Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez said.

Nissan Philippines Inc. president Juan Manuel Hoyos said it has always been their mission to reach the lives of every Filipino through innovative technologies.

"The Nissan Leaf is proof of that. We envisioned the Leaf as a vehicle that can help communities adapt and recover from natural disasters," he added, citing that the car becomes an oversized mobile power bank.

“Tonight, we want the Leaf to bring joy and hope to the Ormocanons by lighting this Christmas tree, a symbol of hope that shines through this beautiful city and then later a smart city.”

The ceremony coincided with the mayor's birth anniversary celebration.

It was followed by a concert by Martin Nievera and a 10-minute fireworks display that left the audience in awe.

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Nissan LEAF Christmas Tree Ormoc City Lucy Torres-Gomez

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