Spreading Christmas cheer around ahead of 2022 polls
CABANATUAN City: Even amid the resurgence of fear about the new and reportedly fiercer Omicron variant of Covid-19, Nueva Ecija politicians have their own way of capturing the hearts of Novo Ecijano resident voters, taking to the streets for the early celebration of Christmas and the lighting of Christmas trees in towns and cities of the province.
Travelers passing through Maharlika Highway are greeted by a huge Christmas tree at the central park in Santa Rosa town that is also a traditional reminder of several local officials in the province, including incumbent Mayor Josefino "Otep" Angeles and his wife, Marita, who was a former mayor of the municipality.
In San Jose City, Mayor Mario Salvador put up colorful dancing Christmas lights in front of city hall.
Cuyapo town Mayor Florida Esteban traditionally leads the lighting of the municipal hall for residents, especially children, to enjoy the dazzling Christmas tree there.
In Cabanatuan City, reelectionist Mayor Myca Vergara launches "MyCapaskuhan,"a gift-giving and Christmas-carol singing competition.
In Rizal, town Mayor Trina Andres launches "EdukHandog," an online search for talented teacher-singers in coordination between the Department of Education and the local government unit. Proceeds from the concert go to the Pupils-In-Need project.
In San Leonardo municipality, the reelectionist couple, composed of Rep. Maricel Natividad Nagaño and Mayor Froilan "Elan" Nagaño, have their own way of helping their constituents with the blessing of several finished infrastructure projects, including a gymnasium and a multipurpose barangay (village) hall, and the distributing of agricultural products to qualified farmers in the Fourth District.
On his Facebook page, Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali is seen serenading constituents and giving out gifts to them at his Gramco residence in Santa Rosa town.
Tagging along with Umali's group called "Alagang Umali" is the "Harana Group" from the provincial radio and television station, singing Christmas carols and distributing groceries. The governor and his staff hand out 25-kilo sacks of rice to households in 849 barangay together with his wife Czarina, who is running as a representative of the Third District. Unali calls his serenading and gift-giving "Romance of Love Series."
The Nueva Ecija provincial police office, through its director, Col. Rhoderick Campo, has a Christmas project of its own: a parol (Christmas lantern) competition, led by the chiefs of police in 27 towns and five cities.
Palayan City Mayor Adrianne Mae Joson Cuevas also leads the lighting of Christmas lanterns and giant Christmas trees at the new Palayan City Park. The city celebrates its 56th founding anniversary from December 1 to 5. The mayor, who is running for governor of Nueva Ecija, proceeds to Gapan City for the lighting of giant Christmas trees and lanterns there too. She is accompanied by Vice Mayor Inocencio "Dodong" Bautista, Provincial Board Member Joy Pascual, Sangguniang Panlungsod members and Gapan City Mayor Emerson "Emeng" Pascual, who is running as representative of the Fourth District against Natividad-Nagaño.
During the five-day celebration of the city's founding anniversary, Cuevas also leads the blessing of five new village multipurpose halls in Sapang Buho, Bagong Buhay, Popolon, Mapait and Ganaderia.
Cuevas distributes her promised 50 housing units in Barangay San Lorenzo and Barangay Atate to qualified resident-beneficiaries of the city while senior citizens receive assorted goods, radios and cash gifts. Households are given free home Wi-Fi, a noche buena (Christmas Eve dinner) package, including free SIM cards, face masks and cash gifts from Globe Telecom. Cuevas also distributes 55 land titles and several mobile birth-registration vehicles to serve 19 villages.
She also leads recognition rites for the outstanding young men and women of Palayan City.
Source: TheManila Times
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