ILOILO – The provincial government is preparing to transform the capitol grounds into a major Christmas attraction once again — this time with a stronger push to position it as a driver of domestic tourism and local enterprise, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said.
Defensor emphasized that the annual lighting display is no longer just a holiday spectacle but a strategic economic activity that draws crowds, fuels small businesses, and attracts benchmarking visits from other localities.
“We want it beautiful. May theme kita… Una gusto naton nga manami sa gihapon pareho sang nagligad nga tuig. Para ina sia sa kabataan kag sa aton nga pamilya,” he said.
Last year’s “Christmas Village sa Makabagong Pilipinas” turned the capitol grounds into a winter-inspired attraction that became one of the province’s most visited public spaces. The provincial government allocated P4.8 million for the installation.
For this year, however, Defensor said the final budget has yet to be determined as the theme is still being finalized.
“Again, why we are investing money? You know why? Modesty aside, nagalibot man kita sa Metro Manila… manami aton. Competitive ang aton capitol,” he noted, adding that a well-designed Christmas attraction brings economic ripple effects that benefit Ilonggo livelihoods.
He stressed that the festive setup annually triggers a surge in foot traffic, which boosts vendors participating in the provincial government’s December trade fair.
“We are investing money, time and resources and beside it’s Christmas and you want to be called Christmas in the province of Iloilo,” the governor added.
Defensor said they are targeting December 5 for the official switching on of the Christmas lights. Security measures will be implemented, including limited lighting hours and the deployment of guards, to maintain order and ensure visitor safety./PN
