Two months before Christmas, colorful Christmas lanterns handcrafted by Bureau of Jail and Management Penology (BJMP) inmates adorned major streets in Iloilo City to light up the metro and bring hope to Ilonggos amid the war against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
The local business sector headed by Philippine Chamber of Commerce & Industry-Iloilo (PCCI-Iloilo) and the Iloilo City government wanted to inspire Ilonggos to remain hopeful through the second year of the “Christmas Parol of Hope” project.
Around 600 Christmas lanterns handcrafted and recycled by the BJMP inmates will be installed in Diversion Road, Calle Real, and Muelle Loney to welcome the Christmas season, according to PCCI Iloilo Chapter president Joebert Peñaflorida.
The lanterns were recycled from the old ones used in 2019 and were refurbished with a design bearing the national colors of the Philippine flag.
“It will symbolize the call for patriotism and unity during these challenging times. The lanterns were recycled by the BJMP inmates who also benefit from the project as means for their livelihood,” Peñaflorida.
Peñaflorida said they opted to tone down the number of Christmas parols in keeping with the times.
Part of the project will also benefit Ilonggo frontliners who are leading the battle against Covid-19.
“Our donors and friends will be able to enlighten the lives of our fellow Ilonggos, especially those affected by the pandemic. It’s not good to be excessive at this time of pandemic. We intend to save as much as we can so that we can provide Christmas gifts to our Ilonggo frontliners as our beneficiaries,” he said.
Recently, the Iloilo City government began hanging the Christmas lanterns on the street posts along Diversion road.
Even with the simple hanging of the lanterns, PCCI Iloilo hopes to bring back the spirit of joy, happiness, and hope for all Ilonggos amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Receiving accolades last year, the Parols will once again bring back the spirit of joy, happiness, love and hope for all Ilonggos.”
Mayor Jerry Treñas said the lanterns will also serve as a symbol of the Ilonggos’ strong faith – much needed in these trying times.
“We may not have grand events and celebrations but as we see these parols in the streets, let us be reminded that we have a mighty protector,” he said.
(ERS via The Daily Guardian (TDG), photo courtesy by Arnold Almacen)