Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc led the whole Ilokano community in welcoming the holiday season through the “Joyful Symphony of Lights” at the Provincial Capitol Building in Laoag City, last December 15.
The light up featured three (3) art installations: a giant Christmas tree and public art seats on the Capitol lawn; a nativity scene at the Bonsai Garden depicting the birth of Jesus in 3D; and a light show with a medley of Christmas songs. This year, the Provincial Government has highlighted the use of art “to bring people together safely rather than using barriers to keep people apart.”
It gathered locals and tourists as a live audience, but only fully vaccinated individuals were allowed in the venue. Children or minors were allowed to enter with the condition that they were with fully-vaccinated parents. The light show was also webcast through Facebook Live.
“To everyone who has joined us this evening, gusto ko lang magpasalamat for coming together here safely with all of us. Its good to see all of you. This is a sign of things to come. 2021 has been a dark year for all of us. Talagang mahirap po para sa ating lahat. Halos dalawang taon na po iton pandemya but this is, of course, a symbolic representation of the end of the year,” Gov. Marcos Manotoc said.
He was joined by the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos and the City Government of Laoag led by Vice Mayor Vicentito M. Lazo.
“May we always remember that, however dark the night may get, the sun will always rise, and there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel at, swerte tayo dahil nandito pa rin tayo kasama ang pamilya, kasama ang kaibigan, and we’re in good health.
So may we count our blessings. May we enjoy this Christmas season with our loved ones. I hope everyone can enjoy a happy, happy holidays,” Gov. Marcos Manotoc remarked.