CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Eleven barangays will compete for this year’s Giant Lantern Festival (GLF) to be held on December 16 at the Robinsons Starmills.
This was announced on Monday by GLF 2017 chairman Gil Cortez during the launching of the “100 Days of Giant Lanterns” in the country’s Christmas capital.
The participating barangays are Calulut, Del Pilar, first-timer Del Rosario, Pandaras, San Jose, San Juan, San Nicolas, Sindalan, Sta. Lucia, Sto. Nino and Telabastagan.
“We welcome all of you in this grand event that is not a mere competition or attraction but a symbol of hope and perseverance of a united community. This is the essence of the Fernandino spirit,” Cortez added during his speech.
During the program, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago together with Cortez, GLF Foundation Incorporated President Bong Mah and Councilors Harvey Quiwa and BJ Lagman also awarded each barangay a subsidy of P190,909.09.
The executive committee reiterated that all giant lantern entries must measure 20 feet and shall not use more than 10,000 bulbs.
Santiago said more tourists are expected to flock this year considering the expanded lot venue which can accommodate an additional 6,000 persons.
Robinsons Land Incorporated and CLTV 36 also entered into an agreement to help in the promotion of the festival through GLF caravan and tours in other Robinsons malls and exclusive media coverage.
“Malaki ang kontribusyon ng taunang pagdiriwang na ito sa pagkakakilanlan ng ating syudad at sa mahabang kultura at tradisyon ng mga Fernandino, hindi lamang sa buong Pilipinas kundi maging sa buong mundo. Makakaasa po kayo na patuloy naming mas pagagandahin at paghuhusayan ang ipinagmamalaki nating Giant Lantern Festival,” Santiago added.