Albay's 60-foot, solar-powered Yule tree attracts tourists

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Albay’s 60-foot, solar-powered Christmas tree, equipped with stairs and viewing deck facing Mt. Mayon and overlooking this city’s commercial district and the province’s coastlines, continues to lure tourists who have described it as a mini Eiffel Tower.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the giant Christmas tree is sending a message that the Yuletide season or other events could be celebrated without posing environmental hazards.

“In fact, we are contemplating on making this structure permanent and instead re-decorate it depending on the occasion being observed or celebrated such as heart-shaped decors on Valentine’s Day,” Salceda told The STAR.

Provincial tourism officer Jose Briones said local and foreign tourists are delighted with the giant Christmas tree built by Air Force soldiers from aviation fuel drums.

Standing near the Albay Astrodome, the towering Yuletide tree was lighted last Wednesday, officially marking the kick-off of Salceda’s brainchild, Green Christmas, or Christmas without risks.

Briones said the stairs built around the Christmas tree and the viewing deck at the top are among the unique features attracting tourists.

To avoid accidents, Briones said they only allow two persons to climb the stairs, and four persons at the viewing deck at a time.

Because of the long queues, Briones said they only allow a group of four only up to 10 minutes at the viewing deck. During power outages, the giant Christmas tree will stand out more, as it will be the only structure glittering in the landscape, it being solar-powered, he added.

Jovic Yee, a Bicol University student who just returned from a free tour of Germany because of his environmental protection advocacy through his Radyo Berde (Green Radio) program, said the solar-powered Christmas tree, which uses recyclable materials, is a novel and pioneering Yuletide symbol.

“When I was on its top, I felt so proud that I am an Albayano who always takes the initiative in protecting the environment,” Yee told The STAR.

Several government agencies and non-government groups in Bicol and even in other parts of the country have signified their interest to adopt Albay’s Green Christmas initiative.