By Roel Amazona – PNA
CAN-AVID, Eastern Samar — The local government unit here is proud to be the first town in Eastern Visayas region to showcase giant lanterns as part of its Christmas celebration.
A total of 28 giant lanterns made by residents of each of the town’s villages are now on display by the roadsides as part of the month-long festivities. The local government lighted the lanterns Tuesday night
Mayor Gil Norman Germino said the Christmas lantern Festival is a competition on innovation and creativity of Can-avid residents by transforming recyclable materials into beautiful lanterns for Christmas.
The activity supports the solid waste management program of the local government.
“The main idea is to use recyclable materials, which will become a tradition of our town every Christmas season,” Germino told reporters.
Lanterns are made up of empty plastic bottles, plastic cups and other recyclable materials. These were painted with vibrant colors and decorated with colorful Christmas lights.
The lanterns are displayed along the national road to catch the attention and curiosity not only among residents, but motorists heading to the northern and southern part of Eastern Samar and to the Pacific coastal towns of Northern Samar province.
The local government unit hopes to attract many visitors through this festival.
“This will spark curiosity among tourists to visit our place, take picture of these lanterns, and explore our tourist destinations,” he added.
The festival will run until New Year’s Day. Entries will be checked weekly to ensure that damaged parts will be replaced while it is on display.
Winners will receive PHP20,000 for first prize, PHP15,000 for second prize, and PHP10,000 for third prize. The town mayor said they will ask for more solicitations to add cash prizes for winners.
Can-avid is a fourth-class town in Eastern Samar with a population of 21,015 people. The town is 167 kilometers northeast from Tacloban City, the regional capital.
