CELEBRATING Christmas is a way of life for Filipinos every December and the tradition of the Nativity of Jesus is widely observed all over the country.
In Zamboanga del Sur, one of the popular festivity held every December is the “Pasko Nato” which will mark its third year and still to be held at the Agro-tourism and Heritage Complex (AHC), Provincial Government Center in Dao.
Provincial Tourism Officer Anthony Frederick Padayhag said that like in the past celebrations, this year’s Pasko Nato will provide a venue of probinsiyanos and visitors to enjoy during the yuletide season in the spirit of giving and harmony.
The AHC, being a renowned tourist destination, will again be fitted with Christmas themes and its booth displayed with various decorations; including the Christmas tree, lights and nativity scenes.
Also, there will be a Christmas Lights Competitions like the AHC Belen Contest, Hanging Christmas Symbols Contest and the Light–a–tree competition to be participated by the academe, including the 22 campuses of JH Cerilles State College, private organizations, regional and government offices.
For Barangay Dao, all its puroks will compete in the Christmas Lights Contest.
The usual booth décor contest will now be called as LGU Christmas Bazaar Contest, which will showcase various saleable products, lanterns, unique gifts and personal accessories from the 26 municipalities of Zambosur and women’s organizations.
Pasko Nato 2009 will run from December 16-25 and the AHC will be open daily from 5:00 in the afternoon until 10:00 in the evening with cultural and Christmas recitals and presentations by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts under the Dance Season program of the Provincial Tourism Office.
Governor Aurora Cerilles, who is in her last term as this province’s chief executive, hopes this year’s Pasko Nato 2009 will be as memorable as the rest.
REPORT BY ZAMBOSUR PROVINCIAL PRESS BUREAU