‘Christmas in Phl more fun for foreign, local tourists’

MANILA, Philippines - The coming Christmas season is going to be more fun for foreign and local tourists visiting the country’s different destinations, the Department of Tourism said yesterday.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez said the DOT has forged a partnership with Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and various local government units (LGUs) to ensure a more fun Christmas in the Philippines.

“By leveraging on this one season that is almost always associated with our brand, Christmas is more fun in the Philippines because we celebrate it the longest, and we celebrate it the best,” Jimenez said.

Meralco chairman and chief executive officer Manuel Pangilinan said they have been looking year after year for an increased community support to their “Maliwanag ang Pasko” program.

Launched in 2006, the program has sought the support of various LGUs with the primary objective of creating brighter homes and a better future for underprivileged children.

Meralco senior vice president Al Panlilio said 27 municipalities and cities from Metro Manila and nearby provinces are participating in this year’s program.

Earlier, Meralco launched “Liwanag Parks” in its Ortigas compound while partner LGUs received starter kits consisting of a lantern and 500 boxes of Christmas lights to start lighting up their communities.

The “Best Liwanag Park” award will be given to the most beautifully-lit communities. 

 Jimenez said the DOT has committed to sponsor the cash awards of P100,000 for the 3rd place, P150,000 for the 2nd place, and P250,000 for the grand winner.

For the past years, Meralco has donated multimedia equipment and microphones to deserving community schools, and provided electricity to far-flung areas that still live in darkness. 

This year, it will extend electrification assistance to Buenavista in Bohol and Dinagat Islands in Mindanao, among others.

The “Maliwanag ang Pasko” mobile app is readily available for download, where one can upload photos of well-lit houses for a chance to win P5,000 daily starting Dec.  1 to 22.