As the local government of Pasay celebrates its 162nd founding anniversary, a total of 162 children and 162 senior citizens were given gifts, marking the official start of the Yuletide season with the lighting of its giant peacock-themed Christmas tree and the illumination of the City Hall facade on Friday, Nov. 28.

During the event, Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano led the ceremonial switch-on of the Christmas tree, joined by Vice Mayor Mark Calixto, Rep. Antonino Calixto, and members of the City Council.

Rubiano said that after the lighting ceremony, the 324 beneficiaries received gifts such as toys and food, coming from various city barangays.

She also said the annual tree lighting symbolizes hope, unity, and gratitude as the community looks forward to a meaningful Christmas season.

She added that the lighting of the Christmas tree also signals the start of the city government’s distribution of Christmas packages to all Pasay residents.

The mayor mentioned that despite the series of disasters and challenges the country faced this year, the city remains committed to giving its people a meaningful and uplifting Christmas celebration.

She also announced that the much-anticipated “Parade of Lights and Street Dancing” competition, to be participated in by different barangays and City Hall departments, will be held on Monday, Dec. 1.