BAGUIO CITY – First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, with Education Secretary Sonny Angara, former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, and Mayor Benjamin Magalong here, led the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at The Mansion in this city on Wednesday night, Nov. 27.
The nine-meter-tall Christmas tree now serves as a tourist attraction, especially since the government allowed tourists to enter the compound to take beautiful photos.
FIRST Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos leads the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at The Mansion in Baguio City on Wednesday night, Nov. 27. With her are DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, former DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos, and Mayor Benjamin Magalong. (Zaldy Comanda)
Dina Tantioco of the Presidential Social Secretary's Office and Al Valenciano of the Malacanang Heritage Museum said the Christmas tree with 36 lanterns made of indigenous materials is among the 158 entries nationwide in the parol-making contest in partnership with the Department of Education.
The lanterns were made by high school students nationwide using indigenous materials with the theme "Heritage, Culture, and Arts." The winners in the Malacanang parol-making contest will be announced on Sunday, Dec. 1.
"This is the first time we are having this kind of event here as an additional attraction. The lighting is part of the tourism feature introduced following the government's opening of the doors of The Mansion House to the public in September 2024," Tantioco said
Tantioco added that the First lady wants the Christmas tree as an added feature which will also extend the opening of gates until 8 p.m. from the usual 5 p.m.
Valenciano said that since the opening of the museum in September, they have recorded an average of 4,500 monthly visitors, including the compound that used to be private and exclusive.
He added that at the gates itself an average of 2,500 daily visitors have their pictures taken.
Also present for the lighting are DOT Regional Director Jovita Ganongan, Baguio Tourism Council Chairman Gladys Vergara and some city officials.