THE municipal government of Carigara, Leyte lights a Christmas tree on Sunday, Nov 30, to kick off the holiday season. Thousands of children in costumes and families witnessed the event at the municipal plaza. (Marie Marticio)
CARIGARA, Leyte – The municipality of Carigara town, Leyte province lighted their giant Christmas tree on Sunday, Nov. 30.
Thousands of children in costumes and families witnessed the event at the municipal plaza.
This year’s Christmas tree features highlights a giant machete locally named “sundang” that the town is renowned for.
A fireworks display prepared by the local government unit capped the event.
Mayor Eduardo Ong Jr. said he personally conceptualized this year’s Christmas tree design.
“If you pass by Carigara from Tacloban City to Ormoc City, you will know its Carigara because you will see a lot of sundang. We want to represent the identity of Carigara through our sundang this year.”
He said that they are the top supplier of sundang in Eastern Visayas and are working on exporting their product to other areas.
The mayor added that the sundang-making industry, aside from their famous pastillas made from carabao milk, is one of the top economic drivers in their municipality.
He added that they have a Disney-themed Christmas tree where they play movies every night for children.
Vice Mayor Jimmy Camposano and the Sangguniang Bayan members prepared loot bags that were distributed to the children.
To make their Christmas merrier, the mayor said they have allocated funds to provide spaghetti packs to each household in their municipality.
“We know we’ve had a difficult year. There were a lot of typhoons and challenges that passed and it can only get better. This is from the taxpayers and we are only giving it back to them.”