Local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao welcomed December by holding various lighting events.

The latest was the “Symphony of Lights” that kicked off on a rainy Friday night.

Mayor Oscar Moreno said they proceeded with the launch of the nightly spectacle so people will have something “wonderful” to look forward to.

He also reminded the public during his speech to remain vigilant in observing basic health standards against Covid-19 and shared his elation over the success of the three-day “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” national vaccination drive.

“The DOH (Department of Health) gave us a target of 63,000, but we exceeded it with more than 78,000 or 120 percent,” he said.

Dr. Teodoro Yu Jr., medical officer at the City Health Office, also issued a reminder that even if the city is under Alert Level 2 until December 15, gatherings may still be spreader events.

Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vicente Emano also announced in a videoconference on Friday that the lighting ceremony at the capitol grounds will proceed on Monday.

El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental and Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte have also lit up their Christmas displays.

In Misamis Occidental, the annual Christmas Village in Tangub City is operational at the town plaza.

Governor Philip Tan said it has been 29 years since the tradition started.

“People keep coming back to discover new things to be able to experience the joy of Christmas,” he said in a statement.

The 16 participants of the Christmas Symbols Festival are private and government agencies, school divisions, and hospitals, which created life-size dioramas of different landmarks of the world. (PNA)