CHRISTMAS CHEER. Lapu-Lapu City officials light up Barangay Pajo to kick off the annual contest. (Taken from Lapu-Lapu City government’s Facebook page)
EIGHTY drug surrenderers joined 33 groups from various sectors in Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City in the annual “Pasko sa Pajo” Christmas tree lighting contest that opened last Friday.
A ceremonial lighting attended by Mayor Paz Radaza launched the contest which saw Christmas trees made of indigenous recycled materials line up the island along Maximo Patalinjug Avenue in Barangay Pajo.
The surrenderers of Barangay Pajo joined the seniors, persons with disabilities and schools in making their Christmas trees which will be lighted every evening to mark the long holiday season.
These drug surrenderers are part of a group called “New Life Pajoanon” who make Christmas decors as part of their livelihood.
The winner of the contest will receive P30,000 cash with P20,000 and P10,000 for second and third placers.
Consolation prizes of P3,000 will be given to those who joined.
Chan said the proclamation of the contest winners will be done on the last day of December.
He said this year’s contest theme is, “Maayong Kaugmaon, Kalinaw sa Matag Banay, Pasko nga Tiunay.”
Chan said he asked commercial establishments in the barangay to place an angel or a reindeer LED-lighted Christmas decor in the island to be named after them for the duration of the holiday season.