WHILE most industries are reeling from losses caused by the pandemic, the lantern industry in the City of San Fernando, Pampanga remains thriving.

This was according to renowned lantern maker Arvin Quiwa, who said the lantern-making industry was barely affected by the ongoing pandemic.

"Kami sa industriya ng lantern-making ay hindi naman naapektuhan ng pandemya siguro dahil never naman napostpone ang Pasko lalo na dito sa Pampanga" he said.

(We in the lantern-making industry were not affected by the pandemic, perhaps because Christmas was never postponed, especially here in Pampanga.)

Quiwa, who is a fifth-generation lantern maker, also said their sales even increased this year compared to 2020 during the height of lockdown and strict health protocol implementation.

"Kaya kami masaya kami tuluy-tuloy ang gawa at tuluy-tuloy na nakakapagbigay ng trabaho sa mga kapwa Fernandino," he said.

(So we are happy we are continuously working and consistently able to provide work to fellow Fernandinos.)

Increased sales

For this year, Quiwa said he and his team made the lantern decorations of various cities in the country including Angeles, Marikina, Bacoor, Mandaluyong and Taguig, as well as Subic and Clark Freeport Zones and the Clark International Airport.

He, together with equally renowned lantern maker Roland Quiambao, also made the lantern decorations in this city, including the Instagrammable giant lantern in front of the Heroes Hall here.

Meanwhile, Mayor Edwin Santiago confirmed that the lantern-making industry in the city has indeed increased during and amidst the global pandemic.

"Lahat ng industriya bumaba ang income, including iyong mga essentials pero ang industriya ng parol dito sa siyudad San Fernando ay tumaas pa," he said.

(All industries have decreased income, including your essentials but the lantern industry here in San Fernando city has increased even more.)

Based on the city government's data, Santiago said the production and income of lantern makers are estimated to have increased by around 15 percent.

The city mayor credited this to the strong belief and tradition not only of Fernandinos and Kapampangans, but Filipinos as a whole.

"Ang Pasko ang nagiging simbolo ng pag-asa para sa atin ang ang mga makukulay at maliwanag na parol ay naging parte na ng masaya nating Pasko," he said.

(Christmas is becoming a symbol of hope for us. Colorful and bright lanterns have become part of our happy Christmas.)