The provincial government here and Misamis Oriental have lit up their respective grand Christmas decorations as a symbol of hope amid the lowering number of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, officials said Tuesday.

In this province’s capital town, the lighting ceremony on Monday night that radiated a colorful Christmas display at the facade of the Arsenio A. Quibranza provincial capitol building gave hope and joy to its residents.

Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo said minimum health protocols were observed during the lighting ceremony.

“Despite the pandemic, we must not forget to be grateful for what we have today. We, your leaders are here to work hard and protect what we have been working for the past years of maintaining lasting peace and development here in our beloved province,” Dimaporo said in a statement.

She highlighted the importance of having a meaningful yet safe Christmas celebration saying, “We may not have high Covid-19 cases, we should still stay vigilant especially that there is still the risk of contracting the new Omicron variant.”

After the program, hundreds of residents, with their family and friends, flocked to the provincial capitol grounds to witness the “Paskohan sa Lanao del Norte,” a symbol of hope and unity after two years of being locked down in their homes because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Dako among pasalamat nga ubos na ang cases karon kay maka gawas nami ug maka saulog sa Pasko uban sa among mga pamilya (We are grateful the cases have gone low because we can now celebrate Christmas with our family),” one of the residents who witnessed the lighting ceremony said.

Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental Gov. Yevgeny Vicente Emano also led the lighting in the capitol grounds in Cagayan de Oro City, which also served as the kick-off activity of the Christmas season at the provincial capitol featuring the Christmas lights and decor contest.

Before the main event, Emano also distributed financial assistance worth PHP500,000 to the Provincial Capitol Vendors Association with each member receiving PHP10,000.

The amount is additional assistance to the vendors operating for more than 15 years at the capitol’s premises who were heavily affected by the pandemic to reopen their business. (PNA)