By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – The city government allocated PHP5 million for Christmas decorations in six key areas to celebrate the yuletide season.
Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, in a press briefing, said the decorations were installed at the public plaza, select bridges, and major streets.
Benitez emphasized that this year’s decorations were designed to be more durable and reusable for next year.
He also invited private sector entities and individuals to contribute to enhancing the festive lights in these areas.
The City Engineer’s Office reported that decorations were placed at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC), public plaza, Barangay Singcang-Airport flyover, Barangay Bata flyover, and along Lacson and B.S. Aquino roads.
In addition to these efforts, the city continued its annual “Adopt-a-Tree” program, encouraging stakeholders and clustered barangays to sponsor lighting and decorations.
The city officially marked the holiday season with a lights-on ceremony at the public plaza.
A lantern-making contest and chorale competition, organized by the Department of Education (DepEd), were also held during the event.
On Dec. 8, the City Tourism Office, in partnership with STI-West Negros University, kicked off the Christmas celebration with the Festival of Lights at the BCGC.
With the theme “Christmas for Kids,” the program included activities such as the Parade of Lights, a ceremonial lights-on ceremony, simultaneous lighting of BCGC installations, song performances, and an arena dance competition.
The festive events underscored Bacolod’s vibrant and cheerful celebration of the season.
