Fernando asks Bulacan people to observe simple Christmas

CITY OF MALOLOS — Gov. Daniel Fernando has urged the Bulacan people to embrace a simple Christmas celebration this year to show empathy for the nation’s disaster victims, especially those in the Visayas region, hit by the recent earthquake and typhoon.

“We are lucky because only flood affected us. And look at Cebu and Davao Oriental, look at what happened to them. So many lives were lost and structures destroyed and these happenings become all the more saddening specially since we are heading for Christmas,” said Fernando during the ceremonial lighting of the PGB Christmas Tree on Friday, Nov. 28, at the Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar Park in the Bulacan Provincial Capitol Compound here.

“‘Yung mga kababayan natin na nandoon sa ibang lugar, na nakatira na nga lang halos sa kalsada, sa mga evacuation center, na nawalan halos ng mga gamit, tirahan, at ng mga mahal sa buhay — iyon po ang masakit. (Let us think of those people who have lost everything — houses, loved ones — and are now living at evacuation centers. Let us think of them. Let us celebrate Christmas the simple way. Let us pray for them),” added Fernando.

Fernando also expressed his appreciation to the Sierra Madre mountain range which shielded Bulacan and nearby provinces during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan this month.

Vice Gov. Alexis Castro recalled the challenges the province has faced this year, emphasizing that despite the darkness, Bulakenyos from various fields and disciplines continue to shine and bring hope to Bulacan.

Meanwhile, a total of 50 families received Christmas gifts from the provincial government of Bulacan through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

The gift-giving was part of the Pamaskong Handog program coinciding the Christmas Tree lighting, with support from sponsors, including Waltermart Malolos, Jollibee Malolos Crossing, and visual artist Reymund Dela Cruz, who donated a portion of the proceeds from his artworks.

FREDERICK SILVERIO