THE City Council approved on its third and final reading the ordinance declaring the first Saturday of December as an annual celebration of Christmas festival of lights in Bacolod City.

The ordinance was authored by Councilor Em Ang, chairperson of the City Council committee in tourism.

In order to sustain the spirit in celebration of the birth of Christ, parading with lights and music around the city will be a symbol of hope for the Lord’s coming, Ang said.

She said the lantern making as part of the observance of Christmas, is “one of the traditional Filipino practices that are unique to our people and culture.”

Ang noted that the STI-West Negros University as an institution spearheaded the parade of lights for the last 22 years to echo to the community the joys and hopes it brings the celebration of oneness and love for each other.

“Celebrating the Festival of Lights will not only preserve the culture of Bacolodnons in observing the Christmas Season but will also be another grand tourism event in the city every December,” Ang said.

She said this ordinance aims to promote the spirit of Christmas; to keep and maintain certain traditions and values which are of historical and cultural importance; and to provide a wholesome outlet for artistic expression, creativity, and enjoyment for all students of Bacolod. (MAP)