Hundreds of people flocked to Aurora Park, Laoag City to witness Governor Imee R. Marcos and Mayor Michael V. Fariñas simultaneously flip switches to light up the giant Christmas trees of Ilocos Norte Capitol and Laoag City Hall respectively last Friday, December 14.
As the crowd cheered, Gov. Marcos and Mayor Fariñas lighted up the two green fir trees covered in cascading white lights, and topped with giant stars, kicking off the province’s countdown to Christmas.
After which, Gov. Marcos made a few remarks, with special attention to the current relationship between the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) and the Laoag City Government (LCG).
“Ito nga at harap-harapan tayo at magkakasama. Nagkakaisa tayo…One Ilocos Norte— Laoag at probinsya! Kaakbay at kabisig at tunay na makakasama ang bawat isa,” Gov. Marcos said.
Gov. Marcos also expressed her gratitude on the successes of Ilocos Norte, attributing them to the recently enshrined patroness of the province, La Virgen Milagrosa.
“Milagro nga…Dumadagsa ang investors hindi lamang dito [at] hindi lamang grocery kundi mas malalaki pa ang darating. ‘Laoag crazy’ ang mga businessmen ng Maynila. For this, we give thanks indeed,” she added.
The annual tree-lighting ceremony was followed shortly by the joint Christmas bash of the PGIN and LCG employees who were dressed-up in colorful Korean Pop fashion.
Among the highlights of the party were the acclaimed Samiweng Singers who rendered the doxology and the national anthem, lively performances by stand-up comedians like ‘Big Mouth’ of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2 and talent showdowns by the employees.
A raffle draw was also conducted as ice breaker, allowing several employees to become lucky winners of cash prizes.
A fireworks display that lasted for 30 minutes capped the whole affair.
Prior to the event, the PGIN and LCG employees received their annual Christmas bonuses which were distributed personally by Gov. Marcos.
The Tree-Lighting event and the joint Christmas Party of PGIN and LCG are only two among the numerous activities included in ‘Paskua Mi Ditoy’ (This is how we mark Christmas)—Ilocos Norte’s government-organized brand to mark its unique activities for the yuletide season.— Grazielle Mae A. Sales, PGIN-CMO
