CH workers who set up Christmas trees under the rain ‘safe’

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Parks and Playgrounds Office has assured that its personnel who set up the Christmas trees during the rain were safe and highly skilled.

The personnel had to work despite bad weather induced by typhoon Tisoy yesterday to make it in time for the scheduled tree lighting ordered by City Mayor Edgardo Labella which was on Monday.

This after passersby shared their concerns regarding the situation of the personnel who were working during the rain.

Engineer Editha Peros, officer-in-charge of Parks and Playgrounds, assured that they have conducted safety measures during the setup of the tree such as using a lifter and harness to secure the workers.

“Kulba gamay pero safety ra gihapon ang mga trabahante kay naka harness pud sila, anad na sila anang trabahoa kay mao gyud na ilang trabaho, gamay ra pud sila, gipangpili gyud na mga highly skilled,” said Peros.

Peros guaranteed that they are prepared when it comes to the safety of the workers, and that there were people from the ground monitoring and securing the situation.

The Parks and Playgrounds Office set up the very first Christmas trees in Plaza Sugbo in just a span of one week.

The trees are modern Filipiniana-inspired made of abacas.

Peros also mentioned that they will be following the directive of the mayor which is for the Christmas tree lights to be turned on from 6 pm until 10 pm to conserve electricity except for the tree in Fuente which will be switched on from 6 pm to 6 am.

However, a high electricity consumption is still expected not only with the Christmas trees but also from the additional lights to be installed in the center islands, specifically on Osmeña Boulevard.

The Christmas trees in Plaza Independencia, Fort San Pedro, and Senior Citizen’s Park are set to be lit within this week without a ceremonial program since the light up should’ve been done all together last December 2 but was postponed due to the typhoon. (FREEMAN)