Amid the tribulation and challenges that the year 2025 has brought for Filipinos, there is still reason to rejoice and be glad this Christmas.
This was the message of the city government of San Pedro, Laguna as it formally kicked off the celebration of “Paskong San Pedro” last Monday, December 1.
San Pedro City Mayor Art Mercado joined local officials in lighting up the Christmas display at the San Pedro City Plaza as it kicked off the month-long celebration of the holidays, with the theme “Buhay ang Pasko sa Puso ng San Pedro.”
Aside from the bright lights and dazzling displays, the San Pedro City Plaza will also serve as the venue for the month-long performances and programs by schools and civic organizations who will showcase their talents to San Pedrenses.
‘Tuloy pa rin’
In his message during the event, City Administrator Atty. Henry Salazar emphasized that there is still much to celebrate this Christmas, amid the calamities and trials San Pedrenses faced during the year.
“Ang Pasko ay hindi nasusukat sa kinang ng ilaw o dami ng dekorasyon. Ito ay nasusukat sa tibay ng loob, sa pagkakaisa, at sa kabutihan na hindi nawawala,” Salazar said.
“Sa bawat San Pedrense na may malasakit, tumutulong, nagbabayanihan, at patuloy na nagmamahal sa ating komunidad. Kaya ngayong gabi, ipagdiwang natin, hindi lang ang selebrasyon, kundi ang katatagan ng pagmamahalan ng ating lungsod,” he added.
Meanwhile, for Mayor Mercado himself, the celebration of Christmas in San Pedro City will once again showcase the virtues of compassion and generosity that has rallied San Pedrenses from all walks of life through all the trials.
“Maraming pagsubok, maraming luha, maraming pagkakataon na sinubok ang tibay ng ating loob. But here we are standing, smiling, and gathered together. Because Christmas [is] stronger than any hardship,” he stressed in his own speech during the event.
The local city executive also exhorted San Pedrenses to remember, reflect and emulate the true meaning of Christmas and the lessons the occasion has imparted for all mankind.
"This season is not about grand lights, loud music or big celebrations. Christmas is the greatest gift we ever received—the birth of Jesus Christ. Siya ang dahilan kung bakit tayo ay may pag-asa, siya ang dahilan kung bakit tayo nagiging matatag,” he said.
“I pray this season brings happiness and healing to everyone in San Pedro. Sana po kahit sa gitna ng hamon ay maramdaman pa rin natin ang liwanag ng Pasko. A light that brings power, unity and love. At sana yung positive, compassionate, meaningful, and with which God will always save us through,” the city mayor added.
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