Mayor Gamao Lights Tree of Hope at Paskohan Village

PANABO CITY, Davao del Norte December 7, 2015 – The City Government of Panabo led by Mayor Engr. James G. Gamao officially opened PASKOhan sa Panabo 2015 with the lighting of the Tree of Hope and the Paskohan Village dubbed as IWAG on December 1 at the Parks and Plaza.

Prior to the IWAG celebration, City officials, Department heads and employees, various sectors and organizations, private and public schools also joined the Paskohan civic torch parade from Sto.Niño church going to Parks and Plaza which was the site of the opening activity.

Mayor Gamao stressed the significance of lighting the Tree of Hope which symbolizes the unity and cooperation among Panaboans for the growth and development of the city.

“This is our way of celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and showing our gratitude for all his blessings”, he added.

Meanwhile, City Vice Mayor Janrey Gavina was grateful to Panaboans, guests, visitors and participants who come and witness the IWAG celebration, “Mapasalamaton ko sa inyong pagtambong, welcome sa atong Paskohan 2015 and advance Merry Christmas sa tanan,” he said.

City Tourism Investment and Promotion Section (TIPS) headed by Cher Bastida said new events were lined-up, including the Inflatable Castle, free ride of Carousel for the children at the Parks and Plaza and mixed media art exhibit of Bong Espinosa from December 1 to January 2016 at Museum Panabo which is open for public viewing from Tuesday to Friday.

Part of the paskohan celebration is the 1st Mayor James G. Gamao Panindutay ug Christmas Tree (Christmas Tree Contest) for Barangay category made of indigenous and recyclable materials. Prizes at stake would be Php50,000 for the winner, 2nd place will get Php 35,000 and Php 20,000 for the third placer, for the top ten will receive Php 7,000 each and Php 3,000 consolation prizes. Another attraction are the miniature lights of the different wonders of the world and the Nativity set located in front of Panabo Museo.

Paskohan sa Panabo 2015 activities are: on December 9, Hudyakan: Kantyaw and Christmas Rock competitions, 6 PM at the ARF gym; December 10 – Pasko Para sa mga Bata and the recipients are IP leaders from Balay Paglaum at Panabo City Gym, J.P. Laurel; December 11- Paskohan Zumbang Gabi, 7 pm at ARF Gym; December 14-16 Judging of 1st Mayor James G. Gamao Panindutay og Christmas Tree for Brgy. Category; Dec 17 – Paskohan Dance Showdown and from December 2 to 31, Tatak Panabo Pasalubong Products are available at the Tourism Kiosk, Museo Panabo Grounds.

Among the visitors who graced the program were Board Members, Hon. Janet Gavina, Hon. Allan Dujali and former Panabo City Mayor Rey P. Gavina, Tourism Council President Dizon Namuag, Carrie Lagdameo of Damosa Land, Inc. and Edwin Galaura representing Governor Rodolfo del Rosario, among others.(By: Jasz Paras /CIO-Panabo)