LAOAG CITY – Hundreds of people flocked to Aurora Park, Laoag City and cheered as  Governor Imee R. Marcos and Mayor Michael V. Fariñas simultaneously flip switches to light up Ilocos Norte Capitol and Laoag City Hall’s green fir Christmas trees covered in cascading white lights, and topped with giant stars in a ceremony held December 14, kicking off the province’s countdown to Christmas.

“Ito nga at harap-harapan tayo at magkakasama. Nagkakaisa tayo…One Ilocos Norte— Laoag at probinsya! Kaakbay at kabisig at tunay na makakasama ang bawat isa,” Marcos said as she gave special attention to the current relationship between the provincial government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) and the Laoag City Government (LCG).

Marcos also expressed her gratitude on the successes of Ilocos Norte, attributing them to the recently enshrined patroness of the province, La Virgen Milagrosa.

“Milagro nga…Dumadagsa ang investors hindi lamang dito [at] hindi lamang grocery kundi mas malalaki pa ang darating. ‘Laoag crazy’ ang mga businessmen ng Maynila. For this, we give thanks indeed,” she added.

The annual tree-lighting ceremony was followed shortly by the joint Christmas bash of the PGIN and LCG employees who were dressed-up in colorful Korean Pop fashion.

The acclaimed Samiweng Singers rendered the doxology and the national anthem, while lively performances were given by stand-up comedians like ‘Big Mouth’ of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2 and talent showdowns by the employees.

A raffle draw was also conducted where several employees won cash prizes.

A fireworks display that lasted for 30 minutes capped the whole affair.

Earlier, Gov. Marcos personally distributed to the PGIN and LCG employees their annual Christmas bonuses .

The Tree-Lighting event and the joint Christmas Party of PGIN and LCG were only two among the numerous activities included in ‘Paskua Mi Ditoy’ (This is how we mark Christmas)—Ilocos Norte’s government-organized brand to mark its unique activities for the yuletide season. (Grazielle Mae A. Sales, PGIN-CMO)