Tacloban’s Christmas tree lights resemble French flag

CEBU, Philippines - The Tacloban City government on Tuesday lighted its 70-foot tall Christmas tree that carried colors akin to the French flag.

Mayor Alfred Romualdez said the city’s Christmas tree, occupying an 8-meter area at the City Hall grounds, uses the colors of France’s flag as a tribute to those who died during the terrorist attack in Paris last month.

This was also a way for the city government to acknowledge the French government for hosting the climate change summit this week, said Romualdez.

“We build this Christmas tree here in our city to share our grief and also to honor those who died in the tragedy that happened in Paris. We also commend your (France) president for creating a strong awareness on climate change,” Romualdez said in his speech.

French Ambassador to the Philippines Thierry Mathou was on hand to witness the tree-lighting event. He was in the city to tour the Yolanda memorials at the Anibong district and the City Convention Center ground.

Romualdez also expressed support to the French government in its campaign against terrorism, while Mathou assured the Philippines of France’s support in the fight against climate change. —From the wires