ILOILO City – Giant Christmas lanterns (parol) are once again illuminating the metropolis. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Iloilo (PCCI) has brought back the Ilonggo Christmas Parol of Hope.
“This heartwarming project has always been anticipated by the Ilonggos as it never fails to bring joy, happiness and love to the community,” according to the PCCI.
For Mayor Jerry Treñas, the giant parols signify every Ilonggo’s hope, resilience and faith amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
“This will come to an end. We will go back to normal again. Life goes on while we take care of everyone,” Treñas said.
The project began in 2019. For the third straight year, the old lanterns are refurbished.
From 1,700 lanterns in 2019 to 700 lanterns in 2020, only two hundred parols will be displayed along the Diversion Road and Calle Real this year.
“While fewer in number, the parols will continue to inspire us to recover together,” according to the PCCI.
This year’s parols are in the Christmas colors of red, green and yellow gold.
As in previous years, persons deprived of liberty in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) worked on the lanterns, giving them additional livelihood.
The official lighting ceremony will be on Nov. 5 at 5 p.m. with Treñas, PCCI-Iloilo officers and members headed by Dr. Sandra Sarabia-Gomez (chairman and head, Christmas Parol Committee), Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida (president) and parol committee members and directors, Maritess Lim, Alma May Tayo and Vincent Abellar./PN
