PALO, Leyte– A giant Christmas tree made from bamboo once again takes center stage at this year’s Pasko ha Palo celebration, showcasing both artistry and cultural pride.
Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla and Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla led the ceremonial switch-on of the bamboo Christmas tree and other festive decorations on Saturday, December 14.
The displays are located at the municipal plaza, public market, Purisima Bridge, and Bernard Reed Bridge.
“We want to showcase bamboo not only as a decoration but as a symbol of resilience. The strength of bamboo represents the strength of the Filipino people, especially the people of Palo,” Mayor Petilla said.
Highlighting the use of bamboo in their decorations also aligns with the town’s efforts to develop an engineered bamboo industry to complement Leyte’s coconut industry.
“We can develop furniture and other products using bamboo for practical and daily use,” Petilla added. Palo has started planting giant bamboo varieties at their old dumpsite, which will soon be transformed into a bamboo park.
Adding to the holiday festivities, Mayor Petilla also led the opening of the Saboren Christmas Fantasy House in Barangay Luntad.
Every December, the Saboren family transforms the first floor of their home into a magical Christmas fantasy house.
This year, miniature Christmas villages, hundreds of Santa Claus figures, and other festive decorations—imported from the United States, Italy, and Germany—are on display, delighting both residents and visitors from neighboring towns.
Hundreds of visitors eagerly lined up to enter the fantasy house after Mayor Petilla and the Saboren family officially opened it with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Pasko ha Palo is part of the town’s 4Ps tourism program, which also includes Pamalandong ha Palo (Holy Week observance), Patron ha Palo (town fiesta every August), and Pagbalik ha Palo (Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration every October).
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
