Christmas Village aims to ease post-'Tisoy’ misery

LEGAZPI CITY -- A Christmas Village built inside the Sawangan Park at the seashore of Barangay Dap-Dap here was lighted Thursday night and quickly drew visitors from the typhoon-hit Bicol region and other parts of the country.

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal, who led the lighting and opening ceremonies, said the Christmas Village would serve as a place of solace for the people, particularly those hardest hit by Typhoon Tisoy.

“With the help of our business establishments that built their versions of Yuletide symbols inside this Sawangan Park, this Christmas Village became a reality. We can all savor here the spirit of Christmas despite the inconveniences brought to us by ‘Tisoy’,” Rosal told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview.

He said big and small hotels, restaurants, malls, and other business establishments in the city, and the Ako Bicol Party-list have contributed to the village by constructing their versions of Christmas symbols and decors, such as the "Belen" (Nativity scene) and giant star, as well as other structures that attract attention due to their designs, decorations, and flickering lights.

The panoramic Albay Gulf and the scenic Mayon Volcano, which sandwich the Christmas Village, also serve as added attractions for the public to visit.

“We are very glad that the people are obviously appreciating this Christmas Village with their presence in this lighting and opening ceremonies,” Rosal added.

Legazpi City Councilor Lilibeth Dimaculangan, who conceptualized the putting up of the Christmas Village, said the city government did not spend for its construction as business firms contributed the decorations to the city government.

“In fact, the city government did not spend for the construction of this Christmas Village because the lightings and decorations here (were) contributed by our partner businesses,” Dimaculangan said.

At least 1,000 visitors flocked to the Christmas Village during the lighting and opening ceremonies. (PNA)