The Victorias City Hall and public plaza are now adorned with holiday decorations, including a giant mechanical Christmas tree, following the unveiling and switch-on ceremony Nov. 9.
Along with the annual switch-on ceremony, the Victorias local government, in partnership with SM City Bacolod, turned over ‘Bears of Joy’ to 107 Victoriasanon daycare children from barangays I, IV, and VII.
The mall’s beneficiary – Kalipay Negrense Foundation – a non-profit organization working for the causes of disadvantaged children – will also receive 107 bears from Victorias LGU, highlighting the true essence of Christmas by bringing joy and hope to children, the city said.
“Sini nga paskwa para sa mga tagsa nga mga pamilya nga Victoriasanon, mas madamo pa gid nga regalo ang mabaton ninyo halin sa aton nga ciudad,” Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez said in his message.
He stressed that Christmas is a time to celebrate with family. He said he hopes that the event allowed Victoriasanons to create new memories to cherish.
Vice Mayor JunB Bantug opened the ceremony with a welcome message, and expressed his gratitude to Victoriasanons who came to witness the event.
Thousands gathered to witness the joyous celebration, which featured an iconic performance by OPM band Neocolours, who played their hit song “Tuloy Pa Rin”, and other OPM classics, to the delight of the crowd.
Local talents, including the Victorias Elementary School Rondalla Ensemble and the Sidlak Chorale, also delivered performances that amped the festive spirit during the event.
Victorias is among the first LGUs in Negros Occidental to unveil their Christmas decorations, bringing a festive start for the coming holiday season, and kickstarting the Kalamayan Festival, set to open on Dec. 13. ||
