Christmas switched on in Ormoc

ORMOC CITY, Philippines – Rep. Lucy Torres-Gomez led the lighting of a Christmas tree at the Cristo Rey Shrine here Sunday night.

Gomez, who is celebrating her 38th birthday today, said it was her birthday and Christmas gift for Ormocanons and residents of the fourth district of Leyte.

It was the third time that the congresswoman and chief of staff and husband Richard Gomez sponsored the construction of the Christmas tree in her home city in cooperation with the St. Peter and Paul Parish and the Ormoc Festival and Cultural Foundation (OFCF).

The OFCF convinced the congresswoman to support its “Light up a Star Project” in 2009. The foundation initiated the giant Christmas tree project and sells stars to decorate it to raise funds for cultural programs.

The foundation also donates part of the proceeds of the fund drive to the St. Peter and Paul Parish.

Gomez announced that she was able to sell P100,000 worth of stars to TV host Willie Revillame for this year’s project.