Angeles City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. spearheaded the lighting of Christmas lanterns along the Abacan Bridge and Friendship Bridge on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 signalling the start of the “ber” months the next day.
The Christmas lanterns or “parols” which were conceptualized and designed by the Office of the Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel serve as beacons of hope to the undying spirit of the Angeleños to rise above the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manuel said the Gawang Angeleño lanterns were put up five days before the ber months by the City Engineer’s Office, led by Engr. Donato Dizon, upon the instructions of Mayor Lazatin.
The longest Christmas in Asia now starts in Angeles City with the lighting of the Christmas lanterns — a reminder that there is hope amid the adversities.
In this time of pandemic, Mayor Lazatin is reminding Angeleños to put forth hope, love and concern for others.
“Hindi man po ganito ang nakasanayan nating tradisyunal na pagdiriwang, higit nating ipamalas ang pag-asa, pagmamahalan, at pagkakapwa-tao ngayong pandemya,” Lazatin said.
It can be recalled that last year the city government also installed parols along the major thoroughfares.