SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – This province formally opened its Christmas village on Monday night, Dec. 1, with the theme “Naragsak a Paskua” at the Speaker Pro Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center Complex in Barangay Sevilla here.
Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, Vice Gov. Eric Sibuma, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led the ceremonial lighting of the 17-meter Christmas tree, adorned with almost 900 “parols” or Christmas stars.
The Christmas village is seen to bring joy and hope to the residents following various disasters this year, while stirring economic activities and promoting local products and destinations.
The lanterns were made by Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) at the provincial jail. They earned money from making the lanterns and sent them to their families.
Entrance to the village is free of charge.
The village also showcases the products and tourism destinations of the 19 towns and one city of the province. Booths have one-town, one-product for sale.
The village has the usual carnival rides, inflatable playground, and food bazaars offering local dishes. The convention center also has lighting display.
“We brought the Christmas Village to this new location to avoid traffic in the town center. This area is more spacious and can accommodate more visitors," Gov. Mario Eduardo Ortega said. (with a report from PNA)