House bill seeks Pampanga declaration as Philippines Christmas Capital

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — A measure seeking to declare the province of Pampanga as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines has been filed before the House of Representatives.

House Bill 5905 was filed by Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of the third district of Pampanga last Tuesday.

Gonzales said the country is known for having one of the longest Christmas celebrations in the world.

“As soon as September comes, Christmas lights start to glitter. Parols or lanterns are seen in homes, along the streets and in shopping malls to the delight of everyone,” he said.

Residents of San Fernando are known makers of giants lanterns with impeccable craftsmanship and creativity.

Their works are showcased during the city’s annual Ligligan Parul or Giant Lantern Festival, which draws local and foreign tourists as well as entrepreneurs.

Gonzales said that since the 1990s, San Fernando has claimed the title of being the “Home of the Giant Lanterns.”

This is due in part to the establishment of the Paskuhan Village, which was inaugurated on Dec. 11, 1990.

The first of its kind in Asia, the Paskuhan Villag – when viewed from above – looks like a giant lantern lying on a 9.3-hectare property.

“It provides visitors the real Philippine Christmas experience year-round,” Gonzales said.