Dapitan City sympathizes with 'Yolanda' victims while celebrating Christmas

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=596784

DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte (Pagadian FRONTLINE News  Dec. 14, 2013) -- The city government and the Gloria de Dapitan will jointly switch-on the Christmas lights and the symbolic lights on the “Tree of Hope” at 7 p.m. Saturday to officially kick-off the Christmas festivities in Dapitan City.

The highlight of the ceremony marking the start of the festivities, through Public-Private Partnership (PPP), is the symbolic turnover of donations to the victims of super typhoon "Yolanda."

Christmas lights and the symbolic lights on the “Tree of Hope”

The host of the ceremony is child star Ryzza Mae Dizon of the “The Ryzza Mae Show.”

Mayor Rosalina Jalosjos said the Tree of Hope “symbolizes a new beginning and new life for our brothers and sisters devastated by the super typhoon Yolanda.”

Jalosjos said the local government donated cash while the employees contributed part of their salary to purchase food stuffs, which were sent to the Visayas region ravaged by the super typhoon.

“We also did not forget to sympathize with our brothers and sisters in the Visayas. We chipped in for our contributions and most especially we prayed for them as we believed that prayer is the most powerful weapon against all the negative emotions we are all feeling,” Jalosjos said.

The Gloria de Dapitan’s Fantasyland emphasized the

Message of hope, joy and kindness in their celebration

of Christmas this year. (photo by JONG CADION)

Dancing Fountain in Gloria de Dapitan in Dapitan City

“It is sad to note that due to some calamities that hit our country, a lot of precious lives were lost and numerous heritage and tourists destination were wiped out. We definitely mourned for the aftermath of these calamities; yet we are also thankful that Mindanao suffered lesser damage,” City Tourism Officer Apple Marie Agolong said.

The Gloria de Dapitan emphasized the message of hope, joy and kindness in their celebration of Christmas this year and “is sensitive to the needs in rebuilding both infrastructure and the lives of the people as their effort in giving back to the society.”

Agolong noted the Gloria de Dapitan always complements the city government’s efforts to boost the local tourism industry by way of improving its facilities and programs.

Agolong said the Gloria’s Fantasyland is set to unveil the longest and largest corkscrew roller coaster and the sky drop tower as additional main attractions of the only theme park in Mindanao.

Agolong said different activities have been lined up to spice up this year’s Christmas season.