Albay celebrates Green Christmas

MANILA, Philippines - This holiday season, Albay is singing a different tune, and instead of dreaming of a White Christmas, it goes green by holding its first Karangahan sa Pasko Festival.

Inspired by the province’s old summertime festival which literally means offering, the month-long festivity highlights Albay’s earth-friendly programs and technologies this Yuletide season and beyond.

Gov. Joey Salceda said that the Christmas celebration is doubly meaningful  because Albay is hosting the National Media Conference on Climate Change keynoted by Pres. Benigno Aquino III, who also inaugurated the country’s first-ever Climate Change Academy.

Karangahan kicked off with the switching of the giant Green Christmas tree at the Peñaranda Freedom Park in Legazpi City. The 60-foot structure is made up of empty barrels of aviation fuel from the Philippine Air Force and is illuminated by solar-powered lighting.

He said that green programs, now on its second year, will be implemented in the provincial government’s observance of the Holiday season, including the use of recyclable materials, zero-waste management, and the ban on the use of firecrackers.

He pointed out that the province is a three-time Gawad Kalasag awardee for bagging the Best Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for outstanding practices in disaster preparedness.

Last year, Salceda and Albay were recognized Disaster Response Campaign champions by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.

Also taking center stage at the Karangahan is the Fiesta Culinaria which will promote the culinary treasures of the province to draw tourists by emphasizing its rich tradition of delectable cuisine, showcasing local delicacies, home-grown restaurants and food establishments.

Spicing up the festivity are various art, cultural, musical, entertainment shows and special events, such as the MusicHero featuring the bands of the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police in Albay, and the traditional Bikol Pastores Christmas carol singing fest.

Salceda said that Fiesta Culinaria is an initial step in the formulation of a rating and accreditation system similar to the global Michelin Guide or Zagat Guide for tourists, which includes a seal of safety for food outlets.

Future programs in the pipeline are cooking competitions Iron Chef style, culinary media tours, food trade expo, a carinderia congress and a coffee-table book on indigenous cuisine. 

He said that the new thrust will help make Albay a culinary capital in southern Luzon.