La Castellana Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan kicked off the Bailes de Luces Festival over the weekend with a “Lights-on Ceremony.” However, the thousands of residents gathered in front of the municipal hall waited for almost an hour after a power interruption delayed the program.
The mayor, who was joined by Vice Mayor Manuel Vera and the local municipal council during the ceremony, said this year’s celebration seeks to increase awareness of environmental concerns. She pointed out, the materials used for the “Lights-on” and the festival were sourced from recyclable materials.
In her message, Nicor-Mangilimutan assured local and foreign tourists of peace and order during the event, which runs until January 5.
She also urged residents to cooperate in preventing crime and assured police officers, who have been augmented by the Philippine Army, are making the security rounds.
Meanwhile, the mayor said Bailes de Luces will compete at the upcoming Sinulog Festival in Cebu, along with an event in Rome, Italy in April.
The La Castellana event previously won a competition in South Korea./DGB, WDJ