Capitol lighting to return on Dec. 1

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

The Iloilo provincial capitol will become a Christmas attraction in the city as it will be illuminated for the season for the first time in two years starting next week.

Themed ‘Kasanag sa Paskwa sa Kapitolyo’ (The Light in Christmas at the Capitol), multi-colored laser lights complimenting the usual string-type Christmas lights across the main capitol building, the Casa Real, and the capitol complex’s grounds when it launches on December 1.

This was announced by General Services Office chief Alma Ravena during the capitol’s Monday flag-raising ceremony.

Before the opening of lights at 6:00 p.m., provincial government employees will hold a Lantern Parade to and from the provincial capitol complex, to be facilitated by the Association of Iloilo Provincial Government Employees (AIPGE).

The parade’s route will start from the capitol complex to the Drilon Bridge, Esplanade 9 (near the Muelle Deli restaurant), Muelle Loney Bridge, Esplanade 8 (in front of the Land Registration Authority office), Carpark Building, the Bonifacio Drive sidewalk, and back to the capitol’s Main Gate.

Ravena said the employees will be divided into five clusters and will wear lighted headdresses, with a huge lantern that will serve as their banner, and likewise encouraged them to make use of colorful props that will engage the public to join the lighting at the capitol.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. and other provincial officials will lead the opening of lights after the Lantern Parade.

Food kiosks have been invited to welcome and cater to visitors to the capitol grounds every night, in partnership with the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions (LEDIP) Office.

“We hope to bring back the joyous celebration of Christmas at the Capitol this year,” Ravena said during her announcement.

The lighting of the Capitol grounds during the Christmas season has become one of the regular Christmas attractions in the city in recent times, but this was temporarily stopped in 2020 and 2021 due to the onslaught of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the city and province of Iloilo.