South Cotabato, Philippines – The Christmas installation, handcrafted by Team of the Office of the Provincial General Services Officer in collaboration with local artist Ronito R. Subaldo of McBaldz Artworks, showcased a blend of recycled lighting materials and newly purchased steel components—an initiative completed under a ₱450,000 approved budget.
According to Provincial General Services Officer Anna Rose Z. Kasan, the approach was deliberate and meaningful.
“This year’s Pasko sa Kapitolyo reflects the essence of Filipino Christmas. By blending creativity, sustainability, and inclusive design, we aimed to honor our identity as Christians, Muslims, and Indigenous Peoples coming together as one South Cotabato family,” she said.
The Provincial Government of South Cotabato officially welcomed the Christmas season with the launch of “Pasko sa Kapitolyo 2025: Liwanag ng Pasko,” transforming the Capitol frontage along Alunan Avenue into a vibrant display of unity, culture, and community spirit.
Anchored on the message “Sa puting liwanag ng Pasko, magkakaisang puso ang ilaw ng pag-asa. Kristiyano, Muslim at Lumad — Isang Pasko, Isang Pamilya,” this year’s celebration honored the province’s cultural harmony and shared hope for the coming year.
The celebration also highlighted local entrepreneurship through a one-night Christmas Bazaar organized by SCEEMO and SCEIPC, featuring 13 booths from start-ups, MSMEs, youth entrepreneurs, and cooperatives.
Offered free of charge, the booths gave local sellers a platform to promote products and holiday goods.
“A dedicated Cooperatives Booth, supported by 1st District Board Member Nilda B. Almencion, the Provincial Cooperative Development Office, and the PCDC, showcased locally produced cooperative items and community crafts,” Kasan shared.
Adding warmth to the evening were festive treats shared by provincial officials. Almencion and Board Member Cecil Diel delighted families with free popcorn and cotton candy, while Board Member Anabelle Pingoy and Vice Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr. distributed hotdogs on sticks.
Cooperative partners also handed out loot bags and choco milk, creating a welcoming environment especially for children, who also enjoyed artificial snow produced through the efforts of the OPGSO Maintenance Unit, electricians, carpenters, welders, plumbers, utility personnel, OPGSO administrators, and the Christmas Decor 2025 Committee.
Vice Governor Arthur Y. Pingoy, Jr. praised the collective effort of government workers and community partners.
“This lighting ceremony is more than tradition—it is proof of what we can accomplish when we work together. Our employees, officials, and citizens turned limited resources into a celebration that unites South Cotabato in joy and resilience,” he said.
Though Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. could not attend personally, his video message reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to unity and inclusive public service, underscoring that the Christmas celebration represents the shared aspirations of every South Cotabateño.
Musical performances by the South Cotabato Family Rondalla and the OPENRO Band added life to the evening as the ceremonial lighting and fireworks illuminated the Capitol grounds—an annual reminder of hope, gratitude, and togetherness.
“The Christmas display will last until January 10,” Kasan added.
The Provincial Government invites the public to visit and enjoy the Capitol’s Christmas display throughout the holiday season, celebrating the spirit of one province, one community, and one family.
