CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City Government launched the Pasko sa Carbon yesterday with the theme, "Padayonon, Palamboon Pasko sa Carbon."
The Pasko sa Carbon has been an annual event starting 2005 through the initiative of then vice mayor and now Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama. The parade that launched the festivities started at 2 p.m. yesterday at the MC Briones-Jakosalem-Magallanes-Escario route that was followed by a mass at the Cebu Market Vendors Development Cooperatives (CEMVEDCO) near Police Station 5.
CEMVEDCO officials said the public can expect fun and decorations at the Carbon area for the Christmas season.
There will be a search for the "most beautiful store" within the market premises.
Since a large number of people are expected to troop to Carbon, Snr. Inspector Reniro Agustin said they are tapping volunteers to address their shortage of manpower.
Joni T. Chan, executive director of United Multi Cultural Coordinating Council of Cebu City (UMC4), added that the Cebu City Police Office promised to assist by deploying more policemen at the Carbon area for the event.
"There is no assurance of safety, since its Carbon and there are some things that are beyond our control, common sense lang jud sa mga tao ang kailangan, kung mo adto ka sa Carbon ayaw i-expose imong mga alahas or unsa pa na diha kay maka kuha man na og attention sa mga snatchers, just be extra careful and we will do the rest in providing for your safety measures," said Chan. - Donna B. Vitualia and July Ann Carmel Antoni, USJR MassCom Interns/JPM (FREEMAN)