The municipality of Isabela officially concluded its Christmas festivities with a medical mission and a #JuanBigCelebration New Year’s Party, which drew a jubilant crowd of locals and tourists to welcome another year, at the town’s covered court on Jan. 4.
Celebrating the Spirit of Christmas
Mayor Irene Montilla underscored the significance of Christmas as a “special season for children, and for everyone to feel loved and celebrated.”
She highlighted the Montilla family’s tradition of spreading joy during the holidays, a practice initiated by her late husband, former Mayor Quito Montilla, in 2014.
Vice Mayor Juan Miguel Montilla, who also celebrated his birthday on Jan. 4, expressed his gratitude to the people of Isabela and the local government staff for their efforts to connect with communities, and for their support.
He also shared the municipality’s recent accomplishments, including being awarded with the Seal of Good Local Governance, and its elevation as first-class town of Negros Occidental.
“These achievements inspire us to pursue more opportunities and projects in the coming year while still pushing for good governance for the benefit of the people of Isabela,” he said.
Highlights of Paskwa sa Isabela
The grand Paskwa sa Isabela lights-on ceremony and parade of lights attracted thousands of spectators. The event showcased 24 performances, a fireworks display, celebrity guests, food stalls, and a DJ party.
The blue and white-themed Christmas parols also illuminated the municipal public plaza and surrounding areas as part of the Iwag sa Dalanon Project Year 2.
The initiative, supported by the Isabela Tourism, Culture, and Arts Affairs Office and various sponsors, featured parols handcrafted by persons deprived of liberty from the Isabela District Jail.
Francis Ryan Pabiania, executive assistant on Tourism, Culture, and Arts, said the project symbolizes hope and inclusivity, reflecting the administration’s commitment to community empowerment.
The municipality also continued its annual Nine Days of Christmas for Children tradition, benefiting 2,155 kindergarten and elementary pupils from nine schools, including the Makilignit, Lima-Lima, Maytubig, Amin-Moises, Banogbanog, Rumirang, Bulad, Sebucauan, and Cansalongon elementary schools. ||
