Koronadal City illuminates Gigantic Christmas Tree and Garden of Lights
The Christmas spirit fills the air as Koronadaleños count down together in lighting the grandest christmas attraction in the city: the display of lights, fountain shows, and the main attraction—the ‘sky-scraping’ christmas tree at the City Hall Grounds.
Now standing strong at 120 feet tall—several feet taller than the four-storey city hall, the christmas tree stands out in embellished 2,500 red, yellow, and green stars specially handcrafted by the Blaan ethnic group as part of a livelihood project.
It was remembered that the christmas tree was knocked down by strong winds less than a day after the tree was completed last November.
Despite the fall, the local government unwavered and immediately rushed to pursue the project, thanks to the flowing support of public and private sectors donating materials, manpower, and free use of equipment needed.
City Engineer Ruel A. Tianchon and City General Services Officer Gemma Amor Panza had their offices in full force in strengthening the foundations of the tree and tracking its progress given the limited time prior the launching date.
The city’s christmas lights project sums a total of 790,000 pesos in budget, including the stars in the streetlights along the stretch of General Santos Drive.
Koronadal City Mayor Eliordo U. Ogena in his christmas message sees this achievement as a significant symbol of ambition and resiliency for Koronadalenos, and hopes that the turn of events serve as a morale boost as one community.
“That Christmas tree is not an ordinary christmas tree, it symbolizes many things. It symbolizes our towering compassion, dreams and aspirations… This is not about having the tallest christmas tree in the history, it is about showing you all that the spirit of kindness and camaraderie is built more than enough to define the city.”
Meanwhile, aerial shots of the lighting ceremony and fireworks display also wows the online spectators, gaining 4K likes and 2.2K shares on Facebook by proud netizens under 24 hours.
The Christmas Garden of Lights is open to the public every night of December starting at 6pm. Light and fountain shows will commence for 20 minutes every hour from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.