Christmas lived on in Koronadal City this year as some 100,000 disposable water bottles were upcycled to form a giant lantern whose enormous light symbolizes the city's hope despite the challenges of 2020.
The giant lantern which was handcrafted by the Blaan people, an indigenous group native to South Cotabato, is proof that the place is a "small city with a big dream", Mayor Eliordo Ugena told Summit Originals team. They were paid P1.50 each for each floral cut-out.
"Itong giant parol simbolo ng matayog na pangarap, ito ay parol ng pag-asa, parol ng pagpapakilala ng aming katatagan bilang syudad," the mayor said. While it is the city's annual tradition to put up giant displays for Christmas, this year's effort is meant to jumpstart their economy from the pandemic.
Viewing the giant lantern is free, but COVID protocols need to be followed.
"We want to really open our economy for our people pero gusto namin siguraduhin din yung health and safety of our people na maprotektahan namin sila," he said.
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