GOVERNOR Aurora Cerilles led the formal opening of the Pasko Nato 2009 last Dec. 16 at the Agri- Tourism and Heritage Complex (AHC) in Brgy. Dao amid a big crowd of eager spectators who wanted to take a glimpse of the blinking fairy lights of the Giant Christmas tree located within the area.
The Pasko Nato ’09 is the third ZamboSur Christmas Festival initiated by the Provincial Government.
As usual, the lighting of the Giant Christmas Tree coincided with the AHC Kids Caroling Contest and the first judging of the AHC LGU Christmas Bazaar Contest that evening.
Cerilles, who is in her last term as the province’s chief executive, said she was happy with the fortitude shown by Zambosurians and expressed her gratitude to the people for all the support she got.
“Your love, respect and cooperation have been my strength to pursue big dreams and work even harder for the good of us all,” Cerilles told the crowd.
The governor added that despite the struggles she confronted during her three terms, these were all conquered and she prevailed because “we all worked together with one vision and one purpose.”
She then congratulated all the Capitol employees, even calling them as her “extended family who gave their best at the frontlines of service.”
The governor then reiterated her advocacy against illegal drugs and mentioned her strong condemnation of the Nov. 23 massacre in Ampatuan, Maguindanao, which killed 57 people including some 30 journalists.
“Let us therefore renew our commitment to work together in restoring the dignity and peace in Mindanao, making it a land of fulfilled dreams,” she urged.
The opening and lighting activity at the AHC ended with a grand fireworks display.
Meanwhile, Provincial Tourism Officer Anthony Padayhag said everybody is welcome to visit the Provincial Government Center’s nightly activities of Pasko Nato ’09.
Most of these activities are in collaboration with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts under the Dance Season program of the Provincial Tourism Office, he added.
REPORT BY PROVINCIAL PRESS BUREAU