The Iloilo provincial government will bring back the colorful Christmas lighting at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol complex after two years of hiatus due to the pandemic, but this time with a different style.
Aside from the usual Christmas lights, multi-color laser lights will be used to illuminate the Capitol Building, Casa Real, Capitol grounds, and all the other structures on the compound.
General Services Office (GSO) head Alma Ravena announced during the flag-raising ceremony on Monday that the illumination of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol complex dubbed as “Kasanag sa Paskwa sa Kapitolyo” will start on December 1, 2022, at 6:00 p.m.
Before the opening of lights, the Iloilo provincial government employees will have a Lantern Parade which will take the following route: Iloilo Provincial Capitol to Drilon Bridge to Esplanade 9 (Muelle Deli) to Muelle Loney Bridge to Esplanade 8 (Fronting LRA) to Carpark Building to Bonifacio Drive sidewalk to Iloilo Provincial Capitol Main Gate.
Ravena said the employees will be divided into five clusters and will wear lighted headdresses and may bring colorful props during the parade. Each cluster will be provided with a huge lantern that will serve as their group’s banner.
Ravena said the Lantern Parade will be facilitated by the Association of Iloilo Provincial Government Employees (AIPGE).
Gov. Arthur Defensor, Jr. and other provincial officials will lead the opening of lights after the Lantern Parade.
Ravena added that they have coordinated with the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (LEDIP) Office to invite food kiosks at the Capitol complex to cater to visitors every night.
“We hope to bring back the joyous celebration of Christmas at the Capitol this year,” she said.
Traditionally, the Iloilo provincial government lights up the Capitol building and the Capitol grounds during the Christmas season which has become one of the Christmas attractions in the city.