Pasko sa V. Rama to carry on despite problems in budget

CEBU, Philippines - The Pasko sa V. Rama will still push through this year even without funding from the Cebu City government.

This was confirmed by Gisela Palacios, Pasko sa V. Rama project chairman, who said that they will again manage to pull off the annual event even if they will not be getting monetary support from the city council for the second year now.

"Ika- 18 years na ni nga selebrasyon, ika duha na pud ni nga tuig nga wa mi kadawat og tabang gikan sa council" said Palacios, who added that they will try to make the celebration successful by getting funds through solicitations.

The Pasko sa V. Rama is a pet project of Mayor Michael Rama when he was still a councilor.

Last year, the Cebu City council did not approve the proposed P713,450 cost of the event as charges on the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, where the funds would be taken from, has already exceeded its balance.

 Palacios said that since the budget last year was not approved, they did not bother submitting a proposal this year.

With the limited budget, there are only three categories for this year's competition namely; belen, cluster decoration and establishment decoration contest.  

Prizes for these categories have also been decreased, added Palacios.  The first prize for the belen making contest is P10, 000 while the second and third prize is at P7, 000 and P5, 000, respectively.

As for the cluster decoration contest, P7, 000 would be given to the first place, P5,000 for the second place and P3,000 for the third place. 

Consolation prizes of P500 would also be given while the winners for the establishment decoration category would get a plaque of appreciation.

In the contrary, Palacios said that despite the financial limitation this year, they will be providing at least P5,000 as seed money, compared to last year wherein they were not able to do so.     

Further, due to the recent earthquake and super typhoon that hit Cebu, Palacios said they have moved the launching of the Pasko sa V. Rama from the first day of December to December 3.   

With the theme "Pag-ampo, Pagtu-o, Pagla-um. Magmalipayon Kitang Tanan karong Paskoha," this year's celebration is supported by the Rotary Club of Cebu Guadalupe, the Buhing Pasko Association, in coordination with the office of the City Mayor.

"Despite of all the trials, we will be able to celebrate Christmas happily ug alang sa mga pobre nga walay Belen ug Christmas tree sa balay" Palacios said.— (FREEMAN)