By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Iloilo Provincial Capitol has transformed into a Disneyland-like spectacle as it lights up the most festive season with a dazzling display of colors, music, and lights on Friday, December 1.
Nearly a thousand Ilonggos reportedly flocked to the Capitol grounds to witness the unveiling of the Disney-themed Christmas lights display.
Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor said the opening of a “fun, foodie, friendly, and magical” Christmas lights display at the Capitol grounds serves as a family destination for Filipino families during this holiday season.
“We want it to be a family destination for Christmas. We opened early so that families would have more time to visit and enjoy it. It’s really for the children and the family,” he said in a press conference earlier on Friday.
The grand opening of Christmas lights kicked off with a 1-km lantern parade that started at 5:00 p.m. from the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, proceeding through Muelle Loney Street up to the Capitol grounds.
The mesmerizing nighttime experience was filled with more glimmer when the Iloilo Supermart illuminated the night sky with a fireworks display at around 7:30 p.m.
From December 1 to 20, micro, small, and medium enterprises in the province will showcase their products and craftsmanship at the Bahandi Trade Fair in the Iloilo Capitol Walkway from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, sumptuous local delicacies can also be tasted starting December 1 to 21 at the Capitol Park from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Defensor said the budget for the decorations is much larger compared to previous years. He emphasized that the provincial government utilized some usable old materials for the display.
“That is bigger than the budget before since the cost of materials is increasing also. That’s the reason why. We also have upgraded because there are additional structures we have put up,” he explained.
According to the General Services Office, the province has allocated P2.87 million for the Christmas lights and decorations.
Since hundreds are expected to flock to the Capitol grounds to experience the holiday season, Defensor said this is one way to promote the tourism of Iloilo.
“This is also for our tourism. That is why we are investing. This type of activity can propel the province and city of Iloilo on the map of the tourism industry in our country. That is what magical Christmas at the Capitol is all about,” he added.
The governor said the provincial government has also deployed additional personnel to ensure the security, sanitation, and waste management at the Capitol grounds during the display.
