Lighting of city’s Christmas Tree, SLU lantern parade set on Dec. 1
All systems go for the Lighting of the City Christmas Tree and Saint Louis University (SLU) Lantern Parade On December 1 at Session at Upper Session Road as part of the ‘An Enchanting Baguio Christmas’ activities.
The annual Yuletide Extravaganza brings cheer once again after a two-year hiatus due to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
During a coordination meeting, Nov. 28, at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, city tourism officer Aloysius Mapalo said Mayor Benjamin Magalong has issued an executive order temporarily closing the Session Road to traffic from 8 am to 12 midnight for the purpose.
The day’s event will start with chalk art and busking at 8:30 am followed by a carols and good tidings presentation by the SLU symphonic band at 3:45 in the afternoon. The program proper for the Lighting of the City Christmas Tree will ensue at about 5:15 pm with a doxology by the SLU glee club.
The city’s top officials, Rep. Mark Go, Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice-Mayor Faustino Olowan, will then deliver their Yuletide messages followed by Blessing Rites by Bishop Victor Bendico of the Diocese of Baguio.
Countdown to the Christmas Tree lighting will then ensue just before six in the evening immediately followed by a four-minute fireworks display emanating from the Merry and Bright Holiday Park at SM Baguio Sky Terraces.
The SU Lantern Parade will follow cascading from Upper Session Road down to Harrison Road then marching through Lake Drive and ending at Melvin Jones, Burnham Park.
Normita Pablico of SLU said that an estimated two thousand participants composed of students, faculty and staff will join the much-anticipated colorful parade.
Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) operations division chief Lt. Col. Domingo Gambican said about 200 police personnel will be assigned to the activity for crowd management, ensuring that no untoward incidents will occur and secure the public’s safety.
Their numbers will be bolstered by force multipliers from the City Mayor’s Office’s public order and safety division (POSD), SLU marshals, and other accredited groups.
Mapalo echoed the Mayor’s appeal for those going to attend the activity to follow safety and health regulations including the city’s no smoking and anti-littering policies; avoid picking or trampling flowers at Melvin Jones; and more.
He said a Covid-19 vaccination booth will also be installed along Session Road during the activity in coordination with the City Health Services Office.
Also in the meeting were representatives from the City Buildings and Architecture Office, City Environment Parks and Management Office, and other concerned offices and private institutions. – Gaby B. Keith
