Christmas is the much-awaited season in most of the world and to have a meaningful celebration, the spirit of Christmas is felt by engaging in the most ordinary acts of love and joy: giving and sharing.

Much has been felt by the people due to the COVID-19 pandemic. When it hit globally in 2020, our world turned upside down. It has impacted changes in communities, the economy, and even how we interact with people. There was a loss of lives, jobs, and even hopes.

Fast forward to the end of 2022, resilient as we are, we are recovering slowly and steadily. We are bouncing back and we are moving in the direction of a new normal. Once more, hope is again seen.

In La Union, after fighting the worldwide health crisis for more than two years, the provincial government revives the Christmas custom among its citizens

The Pasko sa Kapitolyo is back under the leadership of Governor Raphaelle Veronica "Rafy" Ortega-David of La Union. During its opening ceremony on November 27, she shared that she, herself, will lead the Pasko Mula Sa Puso wherein she and her team will bring public services and Christmas treats to all 19 towns and the lone city of the province.

“Iikutan po namin ng personal ang ating 20 component LGUs bago mag-Christmas para personal na ihandog ang liwanag ng pasko,” the governor said.

And true to her words, only a day after her pronouncement, the provincial government kicked off the Pasko Mula sa Puso in Rosario, the southernmost municipality in La Union.

A total of 500 residents have already experienced Christmas joy early. The young ones were treated with gifts while the old, persons with disabilities and indigent families received Noche Buena packages.

Besides gift-giving, Christmas is also about fun! With that, the residents joined in various games prepared by the provincial government. Many also brought home raffle prizes.

"Maraming salamat kay Governor Rafy Ortega-David sa grand prize. I'm super blessed at [higit sa lahat] sila na po ang lumalapit dito sa aming municipality of Rosario,” quipped Kimberly Galinato of Brgy. Puzon who won a 50-inch television in the major raffle draw.

Moreover, the caravan also served as a one-stop-shop for provincial government services such as free medical at dental services, a job assistance desk, free legal assistance, real property assistance, financial assistance application, free veterinary services, and free seedlings.

This is what the Pasko mula sa Puso is all about – bringing the government closer to the residents’ doorsteps.

“Nais ko na kaysa kayo ang lumapit sa Provincial Government of La Union, kami po mismo ang lalapit sa inyo. Kaysa kayo po ang lumapit sa governor, akong governor mismo ang lalapit sa inyong lahat. Ganitong Provincial Government ang gusto ko para sa inyong lahat,” the governor said.

While the townspeople of Rosario expressed their gratitude as the first beneficiaries of Pasko mula sa Puso, other kaprobinsiaan will surely have their turn for that Christmas celebration brimming with joy and hope brought by the provincial government. (JCR/JPD, PIA La Union)