City launches 5th Pasko sa Sugbo

The 5th Pasko sa Sugbo was launched last night with the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at Fuente Osmeña circle amid a spectacular fireworks display.

This month-long activity coincides with the celebration of the Kasadya sa Colon, Kasadya sa Plaza Independencia, and the Pasko sa Carbon.

Michael Lhuillier, Mayor Tomas Osmeña and other city officials led in the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Councilor Arsenio Pacaña, commissioner of the Cultural Historical Affairs Commission, said "This is a traditional activity for the Cebuanos, the more that we should celebrate this year and be thankful that Cebu has been spared from calamities."

The Pasko sa Sugbo had set the Christmas mood in the city coinciding with the ASEAN Summit, said the councilor.

The Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission, Cebu City Youth Development Commission, Parks and Playgrounds Commission, Sinulog Foundation, and Cebu City Tourism Commission have initiated the holding of the event.

The organizing committee reported an increased number of participants in the different Pasko sa Sugbo decoration contests (establishment category, barangay category, school-based category), and the Lantern Festival.

Throughout December, there would be free nightly presentations for the public at Fuente Circle, Plaza Independencia, Colon, and Carbon.

The sponsors would be different schools, colleges and universities, government and non-government organizations and civic groups in the city. - Garry B. Lao