Bulacan LGUs make Christmas spirit alive

By: Chello Gonzales

Local government units in Bulacan make their residents feel the Christmas Spirit, by putting decorations in their respective areas.

From the provincial government to cities and municipalities, the themes in their decorations are about unity, giving hope, and new beginnings. Some municipalities initiate contests to represent their barangays and to improve its tourism sector. Most of the events have been on live stream, ending with a fireworks display.


City of Malolos, Bulacan

Courtesy of Provincial Government of Bulacan Facebook page.

The Provincial Government of Bulacan led the lighting of Christmas decorations in front of the Capitol Building at Gregorio del Pilar Park. The theme is “Paskong Bulacan: “Pag-iilaw ng Krismas Tree.”

Before the show, eight Christmas Carrozas from different organizations paraded in the area for the ‘Parada ng Bulacan Christmas Carozza. Bulakenyos were serenaded by Christmas music by Hiyas ng Bulacan Provincial Band and DYCI Dagalak.

After that, a welcoming speech was given by Governor Daniel Fernando, Vice Governor Alex Castro, and other officials and staff. “Sisimulan na ang pinakamasayang buwan ng Disyembre na pamamagitan ng pagilaw ng PGB Christmas Tree, hudyat ng pagsisimula ng Paskong Bulakenyo tampok din sa ating pagdidiriwang ang walong carroza,” said Governor Daniel Fernando

Cities and Municipalities

Pandi, Bulacan

Courtesy of Municipality of Pandi Facebook Page

"Sa Kwento ng Pasko, Magkakasama Tayo" is the theme of the Christmas Lighting Ceremony on November 6, 2023. It is located on the Municipal Hall of Pandi. Also the event was serenaded by the 76th Battle of the Bands Champion Mary Angeline Garcia.

The event was led by Mayor Enrico Roque, Vice Mayor Luisa Sebastian together with the other officials and staff. In his speech mayor Roque said ‘excited na ang bawat isang Pandiheno. Puwang po ang aking pasasalamat, siyempre sa Panginoon dahil eto na naman sumapit na naman ang buwan ng Nobyembre kung saan iilawan natin dito ang munsipyo na magsisilbing ilaw at gabay natin ngayong Kapaskuhan.”

Santa Maria, Bulacan

The lighting of Christmas decorations in Santa Maria Park has the theme of “Paskong One Santa Maria". It was led by Mayor Omeng Ramos, Vice Mayor Eboy Juan, Councilor Fe Ramos, Councilor Neil Mateo, Councilor Mac Clemente, Municipal Administrator Engr. Elmer B. Clemente, Department Heads, and Unit Heads on November 16, 2023. There were Christmas parols from different barangays who joined the Parada ng mga Tala: Taunang Contest 2023.

Norzagaray, Bulacan

Courtesy of Mayor Merlyn Germar Facebook page

Mayor Maria Elena “Merlyn” Germar led the Christmas tree and decorations lighting at Armando Enriquez Park in the Municipal Compound on November 28, 2023. Many residents attended the event, including some barangay officials. Mayor Germar stated that it is simple decoration due to the government saving funds for future projects, “Ito pong kapaskuhan ay isang simpleng Christmas décor lang ang ating ginawa, sabi ko pagkabongga masyadong magastos dahil tayo ay nagtitipid, dahil napakarami nating gustong ipagawa, dahil napakarami nating proyekto.”

City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

Christmas tree in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan on November 2, 2023. | Photo taken by Athena Morales | Juan News

Having their unique design of Christmas tree, San Joseños enjoy the event of the Christmas decoration in their city. The Christmas Tree is in front of the City Hall and beside a historical church, a symbol of unity or “Kapit Kamay ngayong Christmas.” The Christmas Lighting was led by Congresswoman Florida P. Robes and Mayor Arthur B. Robes on November 30, 2023.

Guguinto, Bulacan

Christmas decorations in the town of Guguinto, Bulacan, sparkle with different colors and lights. The Municipal Hall of Guguinto is decorated with lights, and their Christmas parol shines in the center.

The footbridge in front of the municipal is also decorated, including some of their street lights.

The Christmas lighting took place on December 6, 2023, led by Mayor Agatha Paula "Agay' Cruz. Officials and staff also attended the event, and the theme for this year is "One Guguinto.”

Balagtas, Bulacan

Municipal Hall of Balagtas with two Christmas parols in front. Photo taken on December 12, 2023.

Christmas decorations in the municipal hall of Balagtas in Bulacan show the culture of Filipinos of being simple. Around the area, there are reindeers and trees with Christmas lights, giving an aesthetic look for residents to relax and do their holiday activities. There is a carnival in front of the municipal hall, and food stalls in the vicinity.

All in all, the theme of Christmas in cities and municipalities is a time to be one, to put aside all differences, to turn that frown upside down, and be as vibrant and ecstatic as the colorful parols and decorations illuminating the night.