La Union Capitol's premises light up this Yuletide season amid pandemic

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) – The pandemic didn’t stop the provincial government of La Union to light up the Capitol premises this Yuletide season as the “Puso sa Pasko” was officially launched on Friday, December 5.
 
Governor Francisco Emmanuel Ortega III, along with other officials, led the ceremonial lighting. 
 
A limited number of 50 persons were allowed to personally witness the activity while others were encouraged to participate online through the live streaming on Facebook.  
 
Governor Ortega emphasized that health remains as the top priority despite the aim to keep the Christmas spirit alive in the province amid threats of COVID-19. 
 
Ortega said, “Sa gabing ito, ang Kapitolyo ay muling magliliwanag patungo sa inyong mga tahanan. While we aim to keep the Christmas spirit alive, we still recognize the existence of the virus. So this year, our Christmas festivity have shifted online to ensure that we can celebrate while being safe at home.” 
 

PUSO SA PASKO. The La Union Capitol building and nearby parks are adorned with different spectrum of lights and various Christmas decorations this Yuletide season as the “Puso sa Pasko” was officially launched on Friday, December 5. (photo by Caren Grace R. Cabanayan/PIA La Union)

The Capitol building and nearby parks are adorned with different spectrum of lights and various Christmas decorations. 
 
While online games and raffles were prepared for those watching in their homes to enjoy. 
 
Different from the celebrations of the previous years where anyone may visit the Christmas village anytime, this year is a bit unusual as the provincial government imposes rules to follow for possible contact tracing purposes and to avoid overcrowding. 
 
“Puso sa Pasko” is open only to registered visitors from 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm where entry must only be limited to 50 persons at any given time.
 
Individuals must either schedule an appointment through the booking.launion.gov.ph or register to the Napanam Contact Tracer via napanam.launion.gov.ph. 
 
Ortega reminds the public to adhere to health protocols upon their visit. 
 
“We encourage the people to strictly and properly observe the minimum health standards,” he said. 
 
Moreover, various online activities were also lined up such as the online caroling, search for the best Christmas décor, the Dear Santa letter writing contest and costume contest for kids. (JCR/AMB/CGRC/PIA La Union)
 

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)