ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--The Christmas village located at the City Hall here officially opened to the public on Dec. 5 as part of the first Paskuhan Festival. 

Local government unit offices set up their Kiddie Wonderland booths while barangays put up their Christmas trees and Belen (nativity scene).

About 30 schools around the city also participated in displaying their Christmas symbols or giant stars.

According to City Administrator Darwin Manubag, the goal of the festival is to highlight the colorful celebration of Christmas and make the city hall a destination for the people.

“Kani nga mga efforts, ato kini gibuhat para mabibo ang atong pasko (These efforts, we are doing this to make our Christmas joyful.) To make sure every month the city hall will become a destination in itself,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Mayor Frederick Siao shared his view on the essence of Christmas. 

 "It's about time to rise up for Iligan. It's about helping each other. Mao na ang essence sa kapaskuhan karon, kinahanglan nato tabangan ang katawhan. (That's the essence of the holiday season now, we have to help the people),” he said. 

Other competitions slated include Street Dancing Competition of Lights, Decorate and Light the Overpass Contest, and Light a Building Facade Contest. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)