VALENCIA, Negros Oriental, Oct. 15 (PIA) -- The local government of Valencia will officially welcome Christmas 2021 on Oct. 16 at 6:00 p.m. as it lights up its 20-meter giant Christmas tree at the town plaza.

Mayor Edgar Teves said the traditional lighting of the town’s majestic Christmas tree decked with glittering extra-sized balls and luminous LED lights aims to spread the spirit of hope and peace especially this time of pandemic.

Teves is inviting the residents to witness the event, but they are expected to follow the health and safety protocols set by the local Inter-agency Task Force on COVID-19.

Geothermal host town of Negros Oriental, Valencia is located nine kilometres west of Dumaguete City.

It is one of the known tourist destinations in the province and was voted as "the greenest and cleanest" town in Negros Oriental in 2007. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)