DIFFERENT establishments near City Hall are invited to join simultaneous lighting ceremony slated on December 4, to usher in the Pasko Fiesta celebration in Davao City.
City Council chairperson of beautification committee Councilor Al Ryan Alejandre, speaking at the "Pulong-pulong ni Pulong" media forum Tuesday, urged private sector, particularly business establishments on San Pedro St. and A. Pichon St. to join the Christmas lighting ceremony.
"Dili ni siya pinugsanay, kung pwede lang atong idungan sa lighting ang atong christmas lights (This is not obligatory, it is only if you want to synchronize the lighting with the city's Christmas lights)," Alejandre said.
General Services Office supervising administrative officer James Zimmerman said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao on Wednesday that P600,000 was allocated for the light decorations.
He said that waterfall lights, icicle lights, led meteor shower lights, waterfall lights, flexible led strips and a number of paper lanterns are expected to adorn the trees and the facade of City Hall in the opening ceremony.
He added that the budget for the lights also include the People's Park and the Magsaysay Park.
Based on a copy of Executive Order NO. 26 released by Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte last November 23, 2015, official events of Pasko Fiesta include Pasko Fiesta sa Kahayag, Kasadya, Kadasig, Hudyaka, Himaya, and Empleyado.
Pasko Fiesta sa Kahayag pertains to craft and creative-based showcase including Dan-ag Dabaw, Lamdag Parada and Parolan.
Another official event to be conducted at the barangay level from December 1-15 is the Pasko Fiesta sa Kasadya with sub-events like Sayawan sa Pasko, Panayegon sa Pasko, and Bituon sa Banag-banag.
Events that enliven the public spaces and major streets referred to as Pasko Fiesta sa Kadasig is also set with sub events like opening ceremonies.
Dan-ag Davao, which will commence on Dec. 4, at San Pedro Square, Banda Dasig sa Pasko Fiesta, Koro sa Pasko, Rakrakan (Battle of the Bands) and the Parolan.
The Yugyugan sa Pasko and Krismas Sing Along 2015 are also among the highlights of the annual event.
Hudyaka, which establishes spaces where people in different classes converge to enjoy the food and crafts.
Thanksgiving ceremonies of Pasko Fiesta dubbed Pasko Fiesta sa Himaya, refers to Siyam sa Kaadlawon and Misa Dabawenyo.
Pasko Fiesta sa Empleyado aims to promote creativity and camaraderie for employees dubbed sa Pasko Fiesta sa Empleyado. Sub-events are Like Our Christmas Tree, Indayog sa Pasko and Kantahan sa Pasko.
Alejandre said that the Kasadya Finals is set on Dec. 18 and 19 while the Krismas Sing-Along Season 4 on Dec. 20 at the San Pedro Square. Banda Dasig is on Dec. 22.
Parolan is slated Dec. 23 while Yugyugan Electronic Dance Music (EDM) street party is on Dec. 26 and Rakrakan sa Pasko Finals will be held on Dec. 27.
Other events: December 28 - Bituon sa Banag-banag; December 21 - Torotot Festival, and January 1, 2016 - New Year's Day Musical Concert.
Alejandre said that this year's Pasko Fiesta budget is P 5 million and 1.9 million of it is allotted for the prices of different contests. (KVC)