THE ongoing pandemic is not stopping this capital city of San Fernando in celebrating the Yuletide season as it officially lit up its Christmas lanterns on Monday, November 16, 2020.

Parul Sampernandu, the locally designed and made Christmas lanterns in Pampanga, are now brightening up the City of San Fernando's major roads such as the stretch of Jose Abad Santos Avenue, while life-sized lantern displays are also on display at the Heroes Hall in Barangay San Juan, the City Hall in the downtown area, and Civic Center in Barangay San Isidro.

Mayor Edwin Santiago said the lighting of Christmas lanterns in the city aims to inspire the nation as it faces disasters and health problems.

"Although our focus is on health in fighting Covid-19, the city government still took time to install and light up our Christmas decorations to provide a source of inspiration to the people," he said.

Just like the star of Bethlehem, Santiago expressed hope that the lanterns will also guide the country in protecting the people against the virus and develop the vaccine for the disease.

The mayor also said the lanterns also pay tribute to the sacrifices and efforts of frontliners in the fight against Covid-19.

A life-sized lantern with a picture of healthcare workers, policeman, fireman, and a farmer and bears the words "Thank you frontliners" are displayed at the center of the Civic Center.

"This is our small way of recognizing all their sacrifices in the past more than eight months to save patients and ensure the public is safe from the virus," Santiago said.