The provincial government of Pangasinan has officially launched its Christmas display, with a vow to grant the holiday wishes of children and indigenous peoples (IP) groups in geographically isolated and disadvantaged (GIDA) areas.

The capitol grounds in Lingayen has once again transformed into a dazzling holiday wonderland, featuring vibrant lights and festive decorations, all in line with this year’s theme: “Christmas at the Capitol: Paskong ang Galing, Bida ang mga Tsikiting!”

“We decided to focus on the children, the next generation, because everything we do as public servants ultimately aims to benefit them — our children, our loved ones and the future of our country,” Governor Ramon Guico III explained during an interview Friday night.

For years, the provincial government, through the First Spouses League of Pangasinan, has been working to provide assistance to GIDA areas, including giving solar lights and other essential services.

This year, however, the focus is on fulfilling the specific wishes of children and IP groups in remote communities such as Barangay Malico in San Nicolas, Barangay Villacorta in Mabini and Barangay Oyong in Labrador.

The wishes of the selected beneficiaries were shared in a video during the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree and Nativity display.

Among the wishes were practical requests that reflected the everyday struggles of families in far-flung areas.

Julia Espera, 10, and Wilmer Lorenzo, 11, from Barangay Malico both expressed a desire for farm equipment and agricultural inputs to help their families.

A farmer from Barangay Villacorta requested for a hose for irrigating their vegetable farm, as well as a carabao to assist with carrying loads.

Rowenalyn Dacdac from Barangay Oyong expressed her wish for better infrastructure.

“I hope they can fix the road leading up to the mountains and install lighting so that our farmers and families won’t have to struggle,” she said.

Maan Guico, wife of the governor and chair of the First Spouses League of Pangasinan, shared they are actively seeking pledges to fulfill the wishes, either in cash or goods.

“Cash donations will be used to purchase agricultural supplies and we will also provide goods to IP families as part of their Christmas baskets. For the other requests, we will work with the provincial government to make sure they are fulfilled,” Maan Guico said.

The governor emphasized that the needs of GIDA areas will remain a priority for the provincial government.

“We ensure to address their needs through the programs we already have. With our increased budget for 2025, we can provide more services to our constituents,” the governor said, noting that the province’s operating budget for 2025 will be PHP 7.1 billion. (PNA)